REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET BY APPLICANTS WISHING TO BE REGISTERED AS A DEALER OF IMPORTED USED RHD FULLY ASSEMBLED MOTOR VEHICLES.

Documents Required

1. Completed Application Form
2. Completed Application Form is to be accompanied by an original and a copy of the following documents:

• • Company Certificate of Incorporation or Business Certificate of Registration
  • Company Notice of Director(s)
  • Company Notice of Registered Address
  • Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration Certificate
  • Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) Advice of Assignment of File No.
  • Insurance Board Registration Certificate
  • Registration Certificate from the Financial Intelligence Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (FIU)
  • Valid form of Identification – Driver’s Permit, Passport or National ID
  • Certificate of Character of Owner or Directors of the Business.

Physical Requirements: An applicant is required to have in place:

1. Office area with office equipment e.g., computer, fax, printer and internet service.
2. Reception/Waiting area to adequately accommodate customers and conduct business transactions.
3. Storage Area for vehicles. If storage is provided offsite, the following are required:
   • If applicant owns property, a copy of deed.
   • If applicant leases the property, a copy of lease agreement and copy of deed showing owner of property.
4. Garage Facilities provided either directly by owner or via Joint Venture Agreement with other garages to provide required services. If provided via Joint Venture Agreement, the following are required:
   1. A written agreement clearly stating the services to be provided.
   2. Agreement must be signed by both parties (owner of dealership & person/company providing the service).
5. Services and equipment
   • Mechanical: Jacks, Hoist, Lift or Ramp and /or other related tools.
   • Electrical: Diagnostic test kit (essential requirement) and other related equipment.
   • Auto Body Works: Paint room/adequate painting area, polishers, sanders, buffers, compressors, paint gun, wielding equipment etc.
6. Staff – competent staff to carry out the requisite functions

Investigation: Each applicant will be subject to an investigation/field visit by an officer from the Trade Licence Unit of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism to ensure the physical requirements are met.

Individuals who wish to personally order and land their own vehicles must first register with TTBizLink and submit an online import licence application for the motor vehicle.
It is strongly advised that individuals submit applications personally and not by third parties. This will serve to reduce the risk of being defrauded by such third parties, who are not authorized Foreign Used Car Dealers registered with the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE IMPORT

1. The individual who is seeking the import licence for the importation of a used motor vehicle must personally order and make arrangements for the landing of the vehicle at the Port of Entry. The individual is disqualified from protection by Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism with respect to the inappropriate dealings of any Registered/Unregistered Dealer in connection with the vehicle.
2. An individual is allowed to import only ONE (1) vehicle within a 4-year period and ownership of this vehicle will not be transferable during that period.
3. The vehicle which is to be imported;-
   Gasoline
   The vehicle must not be more than eight (8) years old from the year of manufacture at the time of importation into Trinidad and Tobago.
   Diesel
   The vehicle must not be more than eight (8) years old inclusive of the year of manufacture at the time of importation into Trinidad and Tobago.
   Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
   The vehicle must not be more than eight (8) years old inclusive of the year of manufacture at the time of importation into Trinidad and Tobago.
   Hybrid
   Hybrid vehicle means a vehicle that is capable of being propelled by a combination of an internal combustion engine and an on-board rechargeable energy system and
   the age shall not exceed three (3) years from the year of manufacture.
   Electric Powered
   Electric vehicle means a vehicle that is propelled by an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery pack and the age shall not exceed two (2) years from the year of manufacture.
4. The vehicle must also be accompanied by a Certificate of Cancellation of Registration stamped by the Transport Authority in the country of origin. Such document should bear the engine and chassis numbers of the vehicle.
5. The vehicle must also be accompanied by age verification documentation showing exact age of the vehicle i.e. year of manufacture of vehicle.
6. The imported vehicle must be structurally sound on importation and meet all environmental requirements as determined by statute or regulations approved by the
   Transport Commissioner.
7. The vehicle must be fitted with an ozone-friendly refrigerant in its air conditioning system.
8. Prior to registration, the vehicle must be in a generally good condition and must be subject to inspection and certification by the Transport Commissioner as to its
   road-worthiness for use on the roads of Trinidad and Tobago.

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

1. Applicant must submit online to the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism an application for a licence to import such vehicle. The following documents should be
   scanned, uploaded and attached to the application:
   • Driver’s Permit, Passport or any valid form of photo identification
   • Signed Declaration Form for Licence to Import Used RHD Motor Vehicle

Commercial Vehicle means a vehicle used primarily for industrial and/or transport of goods/cargo. This may include pickup trucks, panel vans, trucks etc.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE IMPORT

1. For pickup trucks and panel vans – the vehicle to be imported must not be more than ten (10) years from the year of manufacture.
2. For trucks (MGW 2950kgs and above) – the vehicle to be imported must not be more than ten (10) years from the year of manufacture.
3. For first time applicants seeking to import, onsite investigation will be carried out.

 PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

1. 1. Applicant must submit online to the Trade Licence Unit of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism an application for a licence to import such vehicle.
   2. State in the description whether vehicles are Right Hand Drive or Left Hand Drive, and Maximum Gross Weight (MGW) of the vehicle.
   3. Scan, upload and attach approval from the Transport Board for trucks with MGW over 15,000KG
   4. First time applicants must scan, upload and attach the following documents:
      • Cover letter with the following details:
        • How long the business/company has been in operation
        • Detailed description of current commercial activities
        • Persons employed, their roles, and whether temporary or permanent
        • List of commercial vehicles currently owned
        • Purpose and age of vehicle to be imported.
        • Contract letters showing proof of jobs to be undertaken, if applicable
        • Confirmation that there is adequate parking to
      • For pickup trucks and panel vans exactly 10 years old, submit evidence of chassis number e.g. pro forma invoice or cancellation certificate.
      • For trucks exactly 10 years old, submit evidence of chassis number e.g. pro forma invoice or cancellation certificate
      • If replacing or upgrading vehicles – certified copies of the vehicles to be replaced.
      • Three (3) copies of sales receipts/invoices as proof of commercial activity
      • Contract letters showing proof of jobs to be undertaken, if applicable
      • If vehicle to be imported is for agricultural/fishing use, submit the following documents:
        • Recent Land & Building Taxes Receipt
        • Advice of Assignment of Board of Inland Revenue File Number Certificate
        • Farmers ID
        • Land Deed
   5. Business Registration Documents:
      For Company
      • • Certificate of Incorporation
        • Notice of Directors
        • Notice of Registered Address
        • Advice of Assignment of the Board of Inland Revenue
          (BIR) File Number Certificate

      For Sole Trader

      • • Certificate of Registration
        • Advice of Assignment of the Board of Inland Revenue
          (BIR) File Number Certificate

      For Partnership

      • Certificate of Registration
      • Advice of Assignment of the Board of Inland Revenue
        (BIR) File Number Certificate

1. 6. Repeat Applicants must scan, upload and attach the following documents:
      1. Cover letter with the following details:
         • Detailed description of current commercial activity and/or if expanded or diversified since last import licence application
         • Purpose and age of vehicle to be imported
         • Status of previous import licence, whether utilized, unutilized, or expired
         • If previous import licence was utilized, status of vehicles imported, whether registered/unregistered
      2. If previously imported vehicle is registered, submit certified copy.
      3. If previously imported vehicle is not registered, submit copies of customs documents – EC82 and Bill of Lading
      4. If replacing or upgrading vehicles – certified copy of the vehicles to be replaced.
      5. If commercial activity has expanded or diversified – produce supporting documents e.g. sales receipts/invoices.
      6. Additional contract letters showing proof of jobs to be undertaken, if applicable.

NOTE: Garbage Compactors less thanMGW15 TONNES (15000KG) DO NOT REQUIRE AN IMPORT LICENCE

Both the returning national and his/her spouse are entitled to import either a right hand or left hand drive vehicle for personal use. (Sedans, Sport Utility Vehicles, SUVs)

DEFINITION OF A RETURNING NATIONAL
A Returning National under Section 45(2)h of the Customs Act is a citizen who has attained 18 years of age and:

1. is or was a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago;
2. has citizenship of two countries, one of which is Trinidad and Tobago; or
3. is the spouse of the person referred to in subparagraph (1) or (2).

NOTE: persons who have lost their status as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago must apply for restoration of citizenship.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE IMPORT

1. Must have resided abroad for a continuous period of not less than five (5) years immediately prior to the date of return.
2. Prior to the date of applicant’s return to Trinidad and Tobago he/she must have owned the vehicle and have same registered in his/her name.
3. Returned to reside permanently in Trinidad and Tobago.
4. Require the vehicle for personal use.
5. Must import the vehicle within one (1) year after, his return to Trinidad and Tobago.
6. Must not sell or transfer the vehicle within two (2) years of importation without the permission of the Ministry of Trade, and Industry.
7. Applicant is entitled to one vehicle only.
8. The licence granted to a returning national for the importation of a motor vehicle is one-time only.

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

An import licence must be obtained from the Trade Licence Unit PRIOR to the shipment of the vehicle to Trinidad and Tobago. An applicant must scan and upload the following documents to the online TTBizLink application.

1. A valid Trinidad and Tobago machine readable Passport(s) / Foreign Passport(s) – must show evidence of being abroad for the continuous period of time, prior to date of RETURN for permanent residency within Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, where only a foreign passport is presented as evidence, the applicant must also be the holder of a valid machine readable Trinidad and Tobago Passport to prove citizenship.
2. In cases where the full period stipulated at (a) cannot be determined, persons may be required to submit official employment records/Income Tax documents
3.  A flight pattern from the Immigration Division of the Ministry of Homeland Security will be requested by the Trade Licence Unit.
4. In cases where the applicant is the spouse of a Trinidad and Tobago national, a marriage certificate is required.
5. Copy of Birth Certificate.
6. In order to verify ownership, a copy of the Registration Certificate/Certificate of Title of ownership of vehicle from country abroad must be attached to the application.
7. See below for a sample of affidavit for returning national. and spouse.

For the details of any tax concessions granted to returning nationals, contact the Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance and the Economy of Trinidad and Tobago:  www.customs.gov.tt

Maxi Taxi means a public service vehicle with seating accommodation for not less than nine nor more than twenty-five passengers (Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act).

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE IMPORT

1. The imported vehicle must be approved by the Licencing Authority for use as a public service vehicle.
2. At the time of entry into Trinidad and Tobago the vehicle must be no more than four (4) years old from the year of manufacture and must be structurally and mechanically sound and in an undamaged condition.
3. The vehicle must be accompanied by a Certificate of Cancellation of Registration stamped by the Transport Authority in the Country of Origin which provides the
   exact age and mileage of the vehicle. Such document should bear the engine, chassis and shell numbers of the vehicle.
4. The imported vehicle must meet all environmental requirements as determined by statute or regulations approved by the Transport Commissioner.
5. Air Conditioning unit in the vehicle must operate with ozone friendly refrigerants only.
6. The vehicle must be sourced through Registered Dealers. Ordering and Landing through unregistered Importers are prohibited.

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

1. The applicant must first make an application to the Transport Commissioner at the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation to acquire Maxi Taxi Certification for the importation
   of a vehicle to be used as a Maxi Taxi. The applicant is required to submit to the Transport Commissioner:
   • Brochure/photograph of the vehicle
   • Pro forma Invoice with full description, detailed speci­fications and performance characteristics of the vehicle
   • Certi­ficate of Cancellation of Registration/Certificate of Title/ Certifi­cate of Export stamped by the Transport Authority in the country of origin giving particulars of year of manufacture, chassis/VIN engine numbers and c.c. and hp ratings
2. Applicant will then submit online to the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism an application for a licence to import such vehicle. The following documents should be scanned, uploaded and attached to the application:
   • Recommendation from the Transport Commissioner re: suitability of the vehicle for use as Maxi Taxi
   • Advice of Assignment of Board of Inland Revenue File Number Certificate
   • Pro forma invoice from foreign supplier of local Registered Dealer giving a description of vehicle (including age)
   • Driver’s Permit, Passport or any valid form of photo identification.

Private School Bus means a public service vehicle having seating capacity for not less than nine nor more than twenty-five persons used for transporting school children and
is of a type approved by the Licensing Authority (Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act 48:50).

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE IMPORT

1. Must not be more than six (6) years old from date of manufacture;
2. Must have the capacity to carry not less than nine (9) or  more than twenty-five (25) passengers.
3. Engine can either be gas, diesel, CNG, hybrid, electric fuel.
4. Must be properly ventilated with sliding glass windows.
5. Passenger entrance and exit doors must be on the left hand side of the vehicle only. Vehicle must be right hand drive only.
6. Must have a rear emergency exit.
7. Must meet all environmental requirements as determined by regulations approved by the Transport Commissioner.
8. Air condition unit in the vehicle must operate with the ozone friendly refrigerants only.
9. The vehicle must be accompanied by a Certificate of Cancellation of Registration stamped by the Transport Authority in the Country of Origin which provides the exact age and mileage of the vehicle. Such documents should bear the engine, chassis and shell numbers of the vehicle.
10. Prior to registration the vehicle must be in a generally good condition and must be subject to inspection and certification by the Transport Commissioner as to its roadworthiness for use on the roads of Trinidad and Tobago.

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

1. The applicant must first make an application to the Transport Commissioner at the Ministry of Transport for approval to own and operate a private school bus. The applicant is required to submit to the Transport Commissioner:
   • Brochure/photograph of the vehicle
   • Pro forma Invoice with full description, detailed speci­fications and performance characteristics of the vehicle
   • Certi­ficate of Cancellation of Registration/Certificate of Title/Certifi­cate of Export stamped by the Transport Authority in the country of origin giving particulars of year of manufacture, chassis and engine numbers and c.c. and hp ratings
2. Applicant will then submit online to the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism an application for a licence to import such vehicle. The following documents should be scanned, uploaded and attached to the application:
   • Approval from Transport Commissioner
   • Advice of Assignment of Board of Inland Revenue File Number Certificate
   • Driver’s Permit, Passport or any valid form of photo identification

Import licences are only required for vessels that are under 250 tonnes.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE IMPORT

1. The colour of the vessel must not be painted in either of the following colours:
   • Light Admiral Grey;
   • Oxford Permabel Blue.
2. Except by special permission of the Minister of Homeland Security, the vessel to be imported should not be capable of travelling at speeds in excess of thirty (30) knots.
3. When applying for permission to import the vessel, applicants should at the same time seek the permission of the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) to install radio equipment.
4. Mountings on the vessels should be so designed to enable them to be fitted with equipment necessary for navigation only.
5. Particulars of the designs of the mounting in (4) above should accompany all applications.
6. Pyrotechnics should be limited to day/night flares. Verey pistols and rocket flares are considered firearms and applications for their use should be made in accordance with the Firearms Act Chapter 16:01 of the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
7. If found necessary at the time of examination and importation, the Customs Officer may request the advice of the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff

 PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

1. Applicant must submit online to the Trade Licence Unit of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (via TTBizLink) an application for a licence to import such vessel.
2. State the description of the vessel, identifying the type and name.
3. Scan, upload and attach a specifications document and a photograph of the vessel.
4. Cover letter stating the specific use of vessel to be imported.
5. Before the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism can approve the import licence, an investigation is carried out by the Ministry of Homeland Security.

The following documents must be scanned, uploaded and attached to export licence applications for the export of animals and plants as specified below:

Export of Horses:

1. Import permit stamped by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) or authorized agency of the country to which the animals are to be exported
2. Veterinary health certi­ficate from MAF – Animal Production and Health Division
3. Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority (TTRA) Certi­ficate of Exportation

Export of Dogs, Cats, Sheep and Goats

1. Veterinary health certi­ficate from MAF – Animal Production and Health Division. Note: Certi­ficates obtained from private vets must be certi­fied by MAF.

Export of Birds

1. Veterinary health certi­ficate from MAF
2. Special permit for wildlife (reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds) from MAF – Wildlife Section, Forestry Division
3. A CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permit

Export of Live/Chilled/Frozen Fish, Shrimp, Crabs and Other Seafood (as outlined on the export negative list)

1. Approval from the Director of Fisheries. When submitting the application, please ensure that the item description matches that approved by the Director of Fisheries.

Export of Plants

1. Certi­ficate from country to which plant is to be exported
2. Phytosanitary Certi­ficate from MAF – Plant Quarantine Division
3. Invoice with detailed description of plant(s) including biological name(s)

Ozone Depleting Substances

An export licence is required for:

• ozone depleting substances (ODS)
• All equipment and parts using ozone depleting substances (ODS)

1. Licences will only be granted for equipment and parts using ozone friendly substances
2. See Export Negative List for complete listing of ozone depleting substances
3. Applicant must submit online to the Trade Licence Unit of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (via TTBizLink) an application for a licence to export ozone depleting substances
4. State the description of the ozone depleting substance identifying the type and ASHRAE number (e.g. R 134a, R 410A)

CONDITIONS TO BE MET BEFORE SHIPMENT

1. For first time scrap metal dealers seeking to export, an onsite investigation will be carried out.
2. When the dealer purchases scrap metal, a record of all transactions should be kept in accordance with the Old Metal and Marine Stores Act.

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

1. Scan, upload and attach valid “Old Metal and Marine Stores Dealer’s Licence” from the relevant District Magistrate’s Court located in the area where the business is operating. (This Licence/Permit is valid for a calendar year and must be renewed annually).
2. Scan, upload and attach scrap metal transaction details in the format as described in the Second Schedule to the Old Metal and Marine Stores Act, Chapter 84:07 see website at trandeind.gov.tt. If transaction records are already maintained in this format, the records can be scanned and attached.
3. Scan, upload and attach shipping documents including any export invoice and Bill of Lading related to exports from the previous export licence.
4. Describe clearly the type of scrap metal/ore to be exported. Do not enter ‘scrap metal’ as the item detail description but rather enter the name of the metal, for e.g. Aluminium, Copper, or Brass.

CONDITIONS TO BE MET PRIOR TO SHIPMENT

1. Used lead acid batteries (ULABs) must not be shipped in any container containing other goods, materials or scrap metal.
2. Containers containing ULABs for export may be subject to inspection by the relevant authorities.
3. Containers containing ULABs for export purposes must clearly bear the name of the exporter and must be airtight.
4. The minimum capacity requirement for the shipment of ULABs is one (1) twenty tonne container per month.
5. Containers used for the shipment/export of ULABs must carry International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) sticker labels class 6, 8 and 9 on the exterior of the container to clearly distinguish containers that hold hazardous materials.
6. Shipping documents are to be authorized by The Customs and Excise Division and submitted to The Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT) prior to the arrival of the container at the Port. Persons whose documents are found not to be in order will not be allowed entry of the container on the Port.

PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO BE SUBMITTED

1. Scan, upload and attach letter from the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) with respect to the outcome of the inspection of premises.
2. Scan, upload and attach approved forms endorsed by the Competent Authority – Environmental Management Authority (EMA) (Revised Notification and movement documents for the control of trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes in accordance with Article 6 of the Basel Convention).