Found a car in Japan that you want to bring to Aruba? Before paying for it, find out how much you'll spend on shipping, import duties and customs clearance.
The car's listed price doesn't include shipping, taxes and other import costs. Some vehicles may have different tax rates, so checking the details before buying can save you money.
This guide explains how to import a car to Aruba, how to calculate the estimated costs and what happens when your vehicle arrives.
How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car to Aruba?
The cost of importing a car to Aruba depends on the car you buy and the taxes you pay. Even if you find a cheap used car in Japan, shipping and import charges can increase the total cost.
Here are the main costs to consider:
- Vehicle price: What you pay for the car.
- Shipping: What you pay to ship the car to Aruba.
- Marine insurance: Covers certain types of damage or loss during shipping.
- Import duty: The tax Aruba Customs charges on imported vehicles.
- Border taxes: Additional BBO, BAVP and BAZV taxes.
- Customs clearance: Fees for your customs broker and paperwork.
- Local charges: Port handling, inspection, registration and road tax.
For our example, we'll use $8,000 for shipping in a 20 foot container from Japan to Aruba. This is a quoted shipping amount, not a fixed rate for every shipment.
Aruba Car Import Duty Rates: How Much Tax Will You Pay?
Import duty rates in Aruba vary by vehicle type. Customs determines the rate based on the vehicle's classification.
|
Vehicle type |
Quoted import duty |
|
Gasoline and diesel cars |
39% |
|
Hybrid vehicles |
19% |
|
Single cab pickup trucks |
12% |
These rates can help you estimate the cost, but they may not apply to your car. The rate may differ for single cab pickups, double cab pickups and electric cars. Check the current rate with Aruba Customs before buying.
Check with your customs broker to find out the import duty for your car's model, engine and type. You can also check the Departamento di Aduana Aruba.
How Is CIF Value Calculated for Car Imports to Aruba?
Aruba Customs calculates import charges based on your car's customs value. For a car shipped from Japan, you'll often see this described as the CIF value.
CIF stands for Cost, Insurance and Freight.
It includes:
- Cost: What you paid for the vehicle.
- Insurance: The cost of marine insurance.
- Freight: The amount paid to ship the vehicle to Aruba.
Let's say your car costs $30,000. Shipping is $8,000, and marine insurance is $500.
Your estimated CIF value would be:
$30,000 + $8,000 + $500 = $38,500
Customs may need additional information or adjustments when determining the accepted customs value.
What Are the BBO, BAVP and BAZV Taxes in Aruba?
Along with import duty, you may need to pay three border taxes when importing a vehicle.
These are:
- BBO: 2.5%
- BAVP: 1.5%
- BAZV: 3%
Together, they add up to 7%.
The Aruba Tax Department explains how these taxes apply to imported goods. The calculation generally uses the customs value, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
Aruba Car Import Tax Calculation: A Simple Example
Here's how much it could cost to import a $30,000 passenger car from Japan to Aruba.
We'll use the 39% gasoline/diesel rate quoted in the vehicle import guide you shared, alongside the 7% border tax rate. The 39% figure is not independently confirmed as the current official rate, so this is a comparison example rather than a customs quote.
|
Expense |
Amount (USD) |
|
Vehicle price |
$30,000 |
|
20foot container shipping |
$8,000 |
|
Marine insurance (assumed) |
$500 |
|
Estimated CIF value |
$38,500 |
|
Import duty at 39% (illustrative) |
$15,015 |
|
Border taxes at 7% (illustrative) |
$2,695 |
|
Estimated total before local charges |
$56,210 |
The total does not include customs broker fees, port charges, inspection, registration or road tax.
Steps to Import a Car From Japan to Aruba
Step 1: Choose Your Vehicle
Look for cars on Japanese vehicle websites, at dealerships or through auctions. You can buy through a vehicle exporter or an import company in Aruba.
Before buying, check the car's year, mileage, engine size and condition. Ask for recent photos and vehicle records, especially for used cars. Check Aruba's import and registration rules before buying the car.
Step 2: Request a Full Price Quote
Once you find a car, ask the exporter for a detailed quotation. It should show the vehicle price, shipping cost and any insurance charges.
You should also ask about port handling and other charges that aren't included in the shipping quote. You can also ask a customs broker in Aruba to calculate the estimated import taxes for your car. This will give you a better idea of the total amount you'll need.
Step 3: Make the Payment
After confirming the vehicle and quotation, review the payment terms. Japanese exporters commonly accept international bank transfers. Some sellers or local import companies may offer different payment arrangements.
Make sure you're paying a verified company. Keep your invoice and payment confirmation because you may need them during customs clearance.
Step 4: Arrange Shipping From Japan to Aruba
When you purchase the car, your car exporter will organize the shipping.
There are 2 shipping options:
- Container shipping: You ship your car in a container.
- Ro-Ro shipping: Your car is driven onto a ship and secured for the journey.
Shipping takes a few weeks to a few months. Time is dependent on route, vessel schedule and transfers. Request a date from your exporter when your shipment is expected.
Step 5: Prepare the Required Import Documents
Your exporter will send you the vehicle and shipping documents. Verify your name, chassis number and vehicle information.
You'll generally need:
- Customer invoice: Provides details about your car purchase.
- Export certificate: Indicates the exporting information of the car from Japan.
- Translated export certificate: Provides the Japanese document in English.
- Bill of lading: Confirms the car has been shipped.
- Marine insurance document: Shows your shipping insurance coverage.
- Passport or ID: Verifies your identity.
Please request any original documents or other requirements from your customs broker. If you do not have the proper documentation or it is missing, your car may not be cleared until it is.
Step 6: Complete Aruba Customs Clearance
When your car reaches Aruba, it must clear Customs before you can collect it. If you're importing as a private buyer, you'll generally need a local customs broker. Your broker will submit your import documents through the ASYCUDA World system.
Aruba Customs will check your documents and calculate the taxes. Once you pay the required charges and meet the import rules, Customs can release your car.
Step 7: Collect and Register Your Vehicle
Once Customs releases your car, you can collect it from the port. You may also need to pay port handling, storage or other local fees.
Before driving, you'll need to arrange insurance, registration and any required vehicle inspection.
Keep these documents ready:
- Government ID and persoonsnummer
- Proof of vehicle ownership
- Customs clearance documents
- Payment receipts
You'll also need to pay the required road tax and get your licence plates. Check with the relevant Aruba government offices for the latest registration requirements.
Can You Import a Used Car From Japan to Aruba?
Yes, you can import a used car from Japan as long as it meets Aruba's import and registration rules. Before buying, check the car's mileage, condition, accident history and documents. Also, confirm if Aruba allows the car's steering wheel position.
Some websites claim Aruba has no strict vehicle age limit and only allows left-hand-drive cars. However, these rules are not confirmed. Check with Aruba Customs before buying.
Can You Import Your Personal Car Tax-Free When Moving to Aruba?
Yes, you may qualify for an import duty exemption if you're moving to Aruba.
However, you must meet certain conditions. For example, you generally need to have owned and used the car for at least six months before moving. Aruba Customs will check your documents and decide if you qualify. Contact them or a local customs broker before shipping your car.
Import a Car From Japan to Aruba With SBK Global Auto Trading
Looking for a Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi or another Japanese vehicle?
SBK Global Auto Trading can help you check available stock, compare vehicle options and arrange export and shipping to Aruba. You can request the vehicle details and shipping price before making your decision.
Once you choose your car, ask a customs broker in Aruba to confirm the import taxes and local clearance charges.
Visit SBK Global Auto Trading to explore available vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Importing cars into Aruba is not a simple task of picking a car and paying for the shipping fees. You need to calculate the import duties, border taxes and local charges before deciding how much to spend.
Begin with the car's price, shipping, and insurance. Be sure the documents are ready before the car arrives. If you're looking for a vehicle from Japan, contact SBK Global Auto Trading to check available cars and shipping options to Aruba.
FAQs
How much import duty do I pay on a car in Aruba?
Aruba announced a 32% import duty on passenger cars. Other vehicles, such as hybrids and pickups, may have different rates. Check with Aruba Customs to confirm how much tax you'll pay for your car.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Japan to Aruba?
We charge $8,000 to ship a car in a 20 foot container from Japan to Aruba. Ask us for a quote to check what's included in the shipping price.
How long does shipping from Japan to Aruba take?
Shipping can take around 60–90 days, depending on the vessel schedule and route. Your exporter can give you an estimated delivery date before shipping.
What documents do I need to import a car to Aruba?
You'll need a purchase invoice, export certificate, bill of lading, vehicle details and your ID. Keep your insurance documents ready too. Your customs broker will tell you if you need anything else.
Do I need a customs broker to import a car to Aruba?
Yes, if you're importing a car as a private buyer, you'll need a customs broker. They'll submit your documents to Aruba Customs and help you clear your vehicle.
Can I import a hybrid or electric car to Aruba?
Yes, you can import a hybrid or electric car if it meets Aruba's import and registration rules. The import duty may differ depending on the vehicle. Check the rate with Aruba Customs before buying.
