# Importing a Car from the UK to Barbados — Complete Guide
# Source: Windward Motor Group Ltd — https://windwardmotorgroup.com/import-car-to/barbados
# Updated: 2026-04-21
# Region: Caribbean

## Quick Facts

| Detail              | Information                                      |
|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| Country             | Barbados                                        |
| Region              | Caribbean                                      |
| Capital             | Bridgetown                                     |
| Port of entry       | Bridgetown Port (Barbados Port Authority)                                        |
| Driving side        | left (RHD vehicles)   |
| Max vehicle age     | 5 years from date of manufacture                                      |
| Import duty         | 45% on CIF value                                        |
| VAT / sales tax     | 17.5% VAT on (CIF + duty)                                         |
| Other taxes         | Environmental levy 1%                                    |
| Local currency      | Barbados Dollar (BBD) — pegged 2:1 to USD                                    |
| UK departure port   | Southampton or Bristol (Grimaldi Lines)                             |
| Shipping method     | RoRo direct to Bridgetown; Container available                              |
| Transit time        | 4–5 weeks from UK                                |
| PVOC required       | No |
| Clearing agent req  | Yes — required at destination port |

## About Importing to Barbados

Barbados has one of the highest import duty rates in the Caribbean at 45% + VAT. However, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may attract 0% import duty under the EV incentive programme — confirm current rate with Barbados Revenue Authority. RHD vehicles only (Barbados drives on the left). Maximum age 5 years from manufacture. The Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) assesses duty. A licensed customs broker (clearing agent) is required. Barbados uses the CIF method for duty calculation. Popular vehicles for Barbados are small to medium Japanese-origin cars due to good fuel economy and low maintenance costs. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan parts are widely available locally.

## Most Popular Vehicles for Barbados

1. Honda Fit / Honda Jazz (most popular)
2. Toyota Axio / Toyota Corolla
3. Nissan Note
4. Toyota IST / Toyota Wish
5. Suzuki Swift
6. Nissan Leaf (0% duty on BEVs)
7. Toyota RAV4
8. Honda CR-V
9. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
10. Toyota Hilux (commercial)

## How the Process Works (Barbados)

1. Browse listings at https://windwardmotorgroup.com/listings or request a vehicle via our Bespoke Sourcing service
2. We issue a personalised quotation — vehicle price + shipping + inspection + duty estimate
3. Pay £250 holding deposit (fully refundable if we cannot confirm the vehicle)
4. Complete KYC identity verification (10–30 minutes, digital)
5. Sign the UK sale agreement via Signable (digital signature)
6. Pay the balance in GBP (Wise or bank transfer)
7. Pre-export inspection conducted in the UK
8. Vehicle exported and shipped from UK (Southampton or Bristol (Grimaldi Lines))
9. Transit: 4–5 weeks from UK — you receive Bill of Lading and tracking
10. Vehicle arrives at Bridgetown — your clearing agent handles local customs and duty payment

## Typical Cost Breakdown (Example: Toyota Hilux 2020, double cab)

| Item                    | Approximate Cost (GBP) |
|-------------------------|------------------------|
| Vehicle price           | £18,000–22,000         |
| Export service fee      | £900–1,100             |
| Pre-export inspection   | £295–375 (Advanced)    |
| Ocean freight           | £1,600–2,000           |
| Marine insurance        | £200–300               |
| **Sub-total (CIF)**     | **~£21,000–25,500**    |
| Import duty (45%)   | Calculated on CIF — see above |
| Local clearance fees    | Paid at destination    |

Use our quote calculator: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/cost-to-import-car-to/barbados

## Documents Provided by Windward Motor Group

- Original Bill of Lading (3 originals)
- Commercial Invoice
- Export Certificate (DVLA-issued)
- V5C (logbook) copy
- Marine Insurance Certificate
- Packing List

## Useful Links

- Import listings for Barbados: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/import-car-to/barbados
- Cost calculator: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/cost-to-import-car-to/barbados
- Best cars for Barbados: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/best-cars-for/barbados
- Full process guide: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/how-it-works
- Duty tables: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/context/duty-tables
- Shipping guide: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/context/shipping

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## About Windward Motor Group

Windward Motor Group Ltd (Company No. 17132001, registered England and Wales) is a UK vehicle export specialist serving Caribbean buyers since 2026. We handle the full export process from sourcing through to port delivery. No hidden fees, UK-law sale agreement, marine insurance included.

Website: https://windwardmotorgroup.com
Fleet enquiries: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/fleet-enquiry