What are the import duties and taxes for bringing a car into the Maldives?

Importing a vehicle into the Maldives incurs a duty averaging 15% of the car's CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value, along with a 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied upon arrival. Additional fees may apply depending on the vehicle's specifications and value.

Are there any age restrictions on vehicles imported into the Maldives?

While there is no official age restriction for importing used vehicles into the Maldives, it's advisable to import vehicles that are less than 5 years old to ensure compliance with local regulations and ease of registration.

What documents are required to ship a car to the Maldives?

To import a car into the Maldives, you'll need the original title and registration certificate, purchase invoice, bill of lading, import license, insurance policy (if applicable), and the original de-registration certificate if the vehicle was previously registered elsewhere.

Do I need to prove I have storage space before importing a car to the Maldives?

Yes, recent regulations require importers to provide proof of proper vehicle storage, such as a garage, showroom, or warehouse permit, before importing any motorized land vehicles into the Maldives, excluding two-wheelers.

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Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?

Cars shipped to the Maldives from the U.S. usually cost between $ 2,000 and $5,200 to ship.
Since the area is an island chain, costs can vary depending on the availability of transport carriers and the specific points of origin and destination for the vehicle.

Import Duties and Taxes in the Maldives

When shipping a car to the Maldives, it's essential to factor in import duties and taxes, which can significantly impact the total cost. The Maldives calculates these fees based on the value of the vehicle's CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). The import duty is typically around 15%, with an additional 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied upon arrival. However, these rates can vary depending on the vehicle type and other factors. To avoid unexpected expenses, it's advisable to consult with the Maldives Customs Service or a local customs broker for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Vehicle Eligibility and Import Restrictions

Before shipping, ensure your vehicle meets the Maldives' import regulations. While there are no age restrictions for importing used vehicles, the country has specific requirements regarding vehicle storage. Before bringing a motorized land vehicle into the country, importers must provide proof of adequate storage facilities, such as a garage or warehouse. Additionally, certain vehicle types, like auto rickshaws, are prohibited from import. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations can prevent complications during the import process.

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Cost & Time Examples For Shipping a Car to The Maldives

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Days
New York, NY to (New York port) to Male	$275	$3,200	5+33
Los Angeles to (California port) to Male	$350	$2,100	5+36
Boston, MA to (New York port) to Male	$400	$3,200	5+33
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to Male	$450	$2,100	5+36
Seattle, WA to (California port) to Male	$550	$2,100	6+36
Charlotte, NC to (New York port) to Male	$575	$3,200	6+33
Atlanta, GA to (New York port) to Male	$700	$3,200	6+33
Denver, CO to (California port) to Male	$775	$2,100	7+36
Memphis, TN to (New York port) to Male	$800	$3,200	6+33
Dallas, TX to (California port) to Male	$1,025	$2,100	7+36

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping

Proper preparation of your vehicle is crucial for a smooth shipping experience. Start by thoroughly cleaning the car inside and out to meet quarantine standards. Remove all personal belongings and non-permanent accessories to avoid issues during transit. Ensure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full and check for any fluid leaks. Gather all necessary documentation, including the title and registration certificate, purchase invoice, bill of lading, import license, insurance policy, and, if applicable, the original de-registration certificate. Adhering to these steps can help prevent delays and additional charges upon arrival in the Maldives.

When you relocate to the Maldives and import your vehicle into the country, you must hire an auto transporter who handles international shipping. You will most likely need to have the company transport your vehicle from your location in the U.S. to the major shipping port nearest you that ships out to the Maldives. Your agent will go over details with you on documents you must provide, the cost of transporting the vehicle to the port, and overseas shipping costs.

The primary documents you must supply to the shipper are your driver’s license, social security number, vehicle title, registration, and a signed Power of Attorney form allowing them to transport the car to the port legally. You’ll also want to check with your insurance company to make sure that overseas travel is covered on your vehicle. If it is not, you will need to obtain shipping insurance and insurance that will cover your car once it reaches the Maldives. You will also want to check with Customs to find out international laws and regulations on exporting to another country and the types of paperwork and documentation you must have before shipping.

When your car arrives in the country, you must provide detailed information about your vehicle to Customs in the Maldives. You’ll need documents showing the make, model, engine, chassis numbers, and year of the car, as well as the weight, color, and seating capacity. Upon entering the country, you must register your vehicle with the Minister of Transport. Your vehicle will be held at the port until it has been registered. You’ll also need to complete an L10 Application form and ensure you have the original title, registration, and proof of insurance. You will also want to make sure that the vehicle is thoroughly cleaned and that all fluids, such as oil, steering, and brake fluids, are filled, the battery is fully charged, and the car is at full driving capacity so it will be ready to drive as soon as it reaches the Maldives.

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Required Documents For Delivering A Vehicle

Passport
Bill of lading
Import license
Certificate of valuation
Packing list or cargo manifest

Before Dispatching

Before exporting your car internationally, you must review all expenses required for international shipping with the agent. They will give you a complete quote so you’ll know what you have to pay upfront and what you will need to pay when the vehicle reaches the entry port in the Maldives. You may need to steam clean the car and remove any paperwork or personal items from inside the vehicle, and anything that could be damaged or fall off during shipping from the car's exterior. You will also want to know the weather conditions of the Maldives so you are prepared for driving during droughts and rainy seasons when the roads become impassable. Knowing about the country will assist you when planning to drive for extended periods.

Delivering Options

There are three main ways to ship your car internationally to any country, including the Maldives. The three ways are:

Ro-Ro Shipping, also known as Roll-On Roll-Off Shipping, translates to precisely what it is. The vehicle is driven (rolled) onto the carrier ship and then driven (rolled off) when it reaches the port internationally. This is the easiest and quickest way to ship a vehicle overseas by water, and the least expensive. The only drawback to Ro-Ro is that you cannot ship any personal items inside of the car during transport.
Container Shipping - Shipping by container is still shipping on the water. Still, with this type of shipping, you can pack personal items inside the vehicle and in the cargo container when transporting them to Maldives. This type of delivery can take a little longer than Ro-Ro due to clearance checks when going through customs, it is excellent when you need to ship more than just your vehicle.
International Air Shipping - The fastest way to ship your vehicle internationally is by air. You can get the car in far less time than if you ship by sea, and you can ship along with other items if you need them to be sent with the vehicle.

Your auto transport agent will help you determine which type of dispatch will best suit your purposes and which will be most affordable within your delivery budget. This article provides valuable shipping information and provides more information on the cost and ways to have your vehicle shipped internationally.

Relevant Statistics

Approximately 100 cars are shipped to the Maldives annually from various countries worldwide.
The average cost of shipping a car to the Maldives is $3,500.
Over 90% of cars shipped to the Maldives are used vehicles.
It takes an average of 45 days for a car to be shipped and delivered to the Maldives.
SUVs are the most common type of car imported to the Maldives, accounting for 60% of the shipments.

General Facts

Shipping a car to the Maldives is possible using a cargo shipping service.
The Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean containing 26 atolls and more than 1,000 coral islands.
When shipping a car to the Maldives, it is essential to consider customs regulations and documentation requirements.
The most common method of shipping a car to the Maldives is container shipping.
Shipping a car to the Maldives can take several weeks, depending on the origin and logistics involved.