It's More Straightforward Than You Think
Ask most Barbadians about importing Chinese Vehicles from China and the usual reaction is: 'Too complicated.' But here's the truth — with the right partner, the process is actually quite manageable. Six clear steps. Let's walk through them.
Step 1 — Pick Your Vehicle
Start at china.chiyoaki.com. Browse the real inventory, filter by your budget, and identify the model that fits your needs. Important: Barbados drives on the left, so you'll want a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle. Double-check before you commit.
Step 2 — Verify Compliance
Not every vehicle exported from China meets every country's road requirements. China Chiyo Aki audits each vehicle before it ships — checking roadworthiness, safety compliance, and documentation accuracy. You don't have to figure this out alone.
Step 3 — Arrange Shipping
China Chiyo Aki coordinates everything. Vehicles typically travel via Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping or containerized freight, depending on your order. Expect transit time of 25 to 40 days from China to the Caribbean.
Step 4 — Prepare Your Documents
You'll need five documents: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and the vehicle's title or registration. China Chiyo Aki provides all the export paperwork. You just need to have your customs broker ready.
Step 5 — Pay Import Duties and Taxes
This is where Barbados Customs and Excise Division comes in. Duties are based on the CIF value (Cost, Insurance, Freight) of your vehicle. Engine size matters — smaller engines generally attract lower rates. Get a licensed customs broker in Bridgetown to calculate your exact liability before the shipment arrives.
Step 6 — Clear Customs and Register
Once your vehicle docks at Bridgetown Port, your customs broker takes over for clearance. After that, it's a trip to the Barbados Licensing Authority to get your local plates. And that's it — your Chinese import is on the road.
The Simplest Way to Do This
The whole process is manageable when you're not doing it alone. China Chiyo Aki handles sourcing, auditing, documentation, and shipping. Your job? Choose the car. We handle the rest.