Importing a car to Haiti? Check 2026 customs duties, taxes, shipping costs, used-car rules and clearance steps before you buy.
When you import a 15,000 USD car to Haiti. You'll also need to pay for shipping, import duties and port fees, which can increase your total cost by thousands of dollars.
The amount you pay also depends on the car's age, engine size and value. An older car might cost less to buy, but the additional taxes could make it more expensive to import.
Here's what you need to know about importing a car to Haiti in 2026, including taxes, costs, used-car requirements and customs clearance. You'll also find examples to help you work out your budget before buying.
What Will You Pay to Import a Car to Haiti?
The total cost depends on the vehicle you buy and where it's coming from. Haiti doesn't charge the same import taxes on every vehicle. The rates can vary for cars, pickups and trucks.
Here's what you'll need to pay for:
- Vehicle price: What you pay the seller.
- Shipping: The cost of transporting your car to Haiti.
- Marine insurance: Covers certain risks during shipping.
- Customs duty: The import tax charged on your vehicle.
- Additional taxes and fees: These include TCA, verification charges and any excise or environmental taxes that apply.
- Local charges: Port handling, customs broker fees, storage and registration.
Shipping costs depend on the car's size, shipping method and route. When requesting a shipping quote, tell the exporter which port in Haiti you're using and ask what the price covers.
Haiti Car Import Duties and Taxes Explained
When importing a car to Haiti, you'll need to pay customs duties and taxes. Customs considers the car's value, engine capacity and vehicle category when calculating the charges.
Customs Duty on Cars in Haiti
Vehicle tax rates depend on the car's value and type.
|
Vehicle category |
Tax rate |
|---|---|
|
Vehicles valued below HTG 35,000 |
5% |
|
Vehicles valued above HTG 75,000 |
20% |
|
Trucks weighing less than 2 tonnes |
5% |
|
Minibuses with up to 24 passengers |
5% |
Vehicles worth $2,000 or more may face a tax of up to 20%.
Verification Fee
A 5% verification fee is charged on the vehicle's CIF value. CIF includes the car's price, shipping and insurance. For example, A vehicle with a CIF value of $20,000 would have a $1,000 verification fee at the 5% rate.
The fee doesn't apply to certain shipments, such as goods in transit, temporary imports, eligible diplomatic goods and personal belongings.
Turnover Tax (TCA)
Haiti charges a 10% turnover tax (TCA) on imported goods, including vehicles. Customs calculates this tax using the vehicle's customs value plus the relevant import charges.
Excise Tax on Larger Engines
Cars with engines of 2,200 cc or more face a 10% excise tax. You'll pay this charge separately from the other applicable import taxes.
Additional Tax on Used Cars
Imported used cars are subject to an additional 10% tourist tax. This means you'll need to pay more to bring an eligible used car into Haiti.
Environmental Tax on Older Vehicles
Certain older vehicles face a 25% environmental tax. Passenger cars, utility vehicles and passenger transport vehicles over seven years old fall under this tax. It may also apply to goods trucks weighing more than five tonnes once they're over twelve years old.
The tax is calculated on CIF value. For example, an eligible older car with a CIF value of $12,000 would have an environmental tax of $3,000.
Storage and Other Charges
Daily storage charges may apply if your car stays at the port while customs paperwork is completed. You'll also need to budget for port handling, customs clearance and any other local fees.
How to Estimate Car Import Taxes in Haiti
To estimate your import taxes, start with the car's CIF value. CIF stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight. It means the vehicle's price plus shipping and marine insurance.
CIF = Vehicle Price + Shipping + Insurance
Let's look at two examples.
Example 1: Importing a $20,000 Car to Haiti
Suppose you buy a passenger car for $20,000. We'll use example shipping and insurance costs to work out its CIF value.
|
Expense |
Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Vehicle price |
$20,000 |
|
Shipping |
$2,500 |
|
Marine insurance |
$300 |
|
Estimated CIF value |
$22,800 |
|
Verification fee at 5%, if applicable |
$1,140 |
Your estimated CIF value is $22,800. If the older published 5% verification rate applies, it would add $1,140. This isn't the final customs bill. You would still need to add customs duty, TCA and any other taxes that apply to your vehicle.
Example 2: Importing an Older Used Car to Haiti
Now suppose you buy an older passenger car for $12,000. The car is old enough to face environmental tax.
|
Expense |
Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Used vehicle price |
$12,000 |
|
Shipping |
$2,500 |
|
Marine insurance |
$200 |
|
Estimated CIF value |
$14,700 |
|
Environmental tax at 25% of CIF |
$3,675 |
|
Verification fee at 5% |
$735 |
If Customs accepts the $14,700 CIF value and the car qualifies for the 25% environmental tax, that charge would be $3,675.
The verification fee could add another $735 if the older published rate still applies. Customs duty, TCA and other charges would come on top.
These are examples to help you understand the calculation, not actual shipping quotes or final tax bills.
How Does Haiti Customs Decide Your Car's Value?
The price you pay for a car isn't always the value Customs uses to calculate taxes. Haiti Customs may use price guides such as Blue Book, NADA and Argus to check how much a used car is worth.
For example, you might buy a vehicle for $10,000, but Customs could value it at $12,000. As a result, your import tax bill could be higher than you expected.
Can You Import a Used Car to Haiti in 2026?
Yes, you can import a used car to Haiti if it meets the country's import rules. Check the manufacture year, vehicle condition, engine size and paperwork before buying. Some vehicles attract higher taxes, while others may need an inspection before shipment.
Used-Car Inspection and Conformity Certificate
Haiti has also introduced inspection requirements for used cars. According to the Ministry of Commerce, importers must arrange a technical inspection and obtain a Certificate of Conformity before bringing the vehicle into the country. The inspection checks whether the car meets the required safety standards.
What Documents Do You Need to Import a Car to Haiti?
- Commercial invoice: Confirms the vehicle purchase, including the agreed price and seller details.
- Bill of lading: Document that verifies the vehicle's delivery.
- Vehicle export documents: Provide a record of the car's ownership and export details.
- Vehicle information: Covers the car's make, model, manufacture year, engine capacity and chassis number.
- Certificate of tax clearance: Necessary for customs procedures.
- Customs value declaration: Gives Customs the details needed to value your vehicle.
- Conformity certificate: Required for applicable used-car imports.
- Insurance and freight documents: Show shipping and insurance costs.
Your broker may need proof of identity or additional documents to complete the process. Check that the vehicle details match across all documents. Even a small mistake can delay clearance.
Check the official Haiti Customs used-vehicle guide for the documents required to import a used car.
How Does Car Customs Clearance Work in Haiti?
After passing through customs, you will have to pick up your car in Haiti. Let's see how it works.
Step 1: Arrange Shipping
Your exporter arranges all of the shipping documents and books the shipment. Check the port, shipping method and the arrival time before the car departs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Customs Documents
Give your broker the purchase invoice, shipping documents and vehicle details so they can start the clearance process. Be ready before the car arrives. Missing paperwork can hold up clearance and leave you paying more in storage fees.
Step 3: Submit the Customs Declaration
Your broker completes the import declaration and sends it to customs for review. Customs inspects the paperwork, appraises the vehicle and then determines the taxes.
Step 4: Pay Import Duties and Taxes
Customs inspects the paperwork, appraises the vehicle and then determines the taxes.
Step 5: Collect and Register Your Vehicle
Once customs releases your car, you can collect it from the port or arrange delivery. You may still have port or transport fees to pay. You'll also need to complete registration and arrange the required insurance before driving.
Vehicle Registration Fees in Haiti (2026)
Once customs releases your car, you can move ahead with the registration process. Under Haiti's 2026 fiscal code, the annual registration fee depends on the engine size and number of cylinders.
|
Vehicle category |
Annual registration fee |
|---|---|
|
2–4 cylinders, up to 1,300 cc |
HTG 2,000 |
|
2–4 cylinders, 1,301–1,800 cc |
HTG 3,000 |
|
4 cylinders, above 1,800 cc |
HTG 4,000 |
|
6 cylinders, up to 2,750 cc |
HTG 5,000 |
|
6 cylinders, above 2,750 cc |
HTG 6,000 |
|
8 cylinders, above 2,750 cc |
HTG 8,000 |
|
12 cylinders, above 2,750 cc |
HTG 10,000 |
These are annual registration fees, not import duties. If you're registering the car in Haiti for the first time, an additional registration tax may apply.
You can check the details in the official 2026 Haiti Fiscal Code.
Find Your Next Car for Haiti With SBK Global Auto Trading
Planning to bring a Toyota Hilux, SUV or another car into Haiti?
SBK Global Auto Trading offers a selection of new and used vehicles for customers importing cars to Haiti. You can ask our team about available models, specifications, prices and shipping options. Our team can share vehicle details, prices and shipping quotes.
Browse the vehicles on the SBK Global Auto Trading or speak with our sales team about prices and shipping options.
FAQs
How much is import duty on a car in Haiti?
Haiti applies different import duty rates depending on the vehicle category. The rate for a passenger car may differ from that of a pickup or commercial truck. You may also need to pay TCA, verification fees and other taxes.
How can I work out the customs charges for my car in Haiti?
Add the vehicle price, shipping and insurance to get its CIF value. Next, use the applicable tax rates to estimate how much you'll owe at customs. Customs may use its own assessed value instead of the price on your invoice.
Can I import a car older than seven years to Haiti?
Yes, if it meets the import requirements. However, certain passenger and utility vehicles older than seven years face a 25% environmental tax based on CIF value.
Does Engine Size Affect Car Import Taxes in Haiti?
Previous tax rules imposed a 10% excise tax on vehicles with engine capacities of 2,200 cc or higher.
Is a Certificate of Conformity Required for Used Cars in Haiti?
Haiti has implemented a conformity certificate requirement for relevant used car imports in 2025. Review the process of the inspection before arranging shipment.
What is the estimated time for customs clearance in Haiti?
Clearance times vary based on document checks, tax payments and port activity. Have your paperwork ready so your broker can process the shipment without unnecessary delays.
