Navigating the landscape: Requirements for establishing a used motor vehicle dealership
THE JOURNEY to becoming a used motor vehicle dealer and maintaining certification requires adherence to a set of essential requirements. These requirements are stipulated in the Motor Vehicle Import Policy, Ministry Paper 36/14, which outlines the guidelines for motor vehicle dealer certification and importation of motor vehicles into Jamaica. It encompasses aspects such as import documentation, age limitations for used vehicles, methods for determining model year and requirements for dealership certification.
The dealer certification process at the Trade Board Limited has been streamlined.The application and associated fees are administered through the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) platform. JSWIFT provides a centralised platform for electronic applications that seamlessly enhances efficiency and provides ease and convenience for applicants.
To participate in the motor vehicle trade as a dealer, certification is required from the Trade Board Limited (TBL), which is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC).
In this feature, we’ll delve into the key elements that contribute to the certification/re-certification process for used motor vehicle dealers.
PROCEDURE AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Dealership certification allows dealers to import and sell motor vehicles in Jamaica, subject to the guidelines of the Motor Vehicle Import Policy. Existing and prospective dealers who wish to obtain a dealership licence must apply, pay the required fee(s), and submit the necessary supporting documents via the Jamaica Single Window for Trade (JSWIFT) platform at www.jswift.gov.jm.
The certification of used motor vehicle dealerships requires the submission of various documents and a successful onsite inspection by the TBL. This inspection will assess suitability for business by evaluating the location/size, operational standards, customer service standards, and environmental compliance.
The following documents are required to support an application for certification/re-certification as a used motor vehicle dealer:
1. Company registration documents where applicable
2. Valid Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) at all stages throughout the specified certification period
3. Copy of Rent/Lease Agreement, stamped by a Justice of the Peace (if property is not owned) or copy of Land Title as proof of ownership
4. Copy of last official receipt for payment of property taxes if the premises is owned
5. Copy of a valid Public Liability Insurance (new dealers must submit insurance policy six (6) months after approval)
6. National Environment and Planning Agency ( NEPA) Certification Letter
7. Valid TRN for the Company stamped/sealed and signed by the manager/director
8. Valid ID for all Managers/ Directors
9. Valid TRN for Directors/ Managers
10. Copy of valid work permit if Managers/Directors are foreign nationals
11. Certified Passport-Sized Photograph
12. Warranty contract outlining the warranties offered on the sale of motor vehicles.
13. Status letter of compliance from the Consumer Affairs Commission & the Fair Trading Commission
14. Contractual agreement for Parts and/or Service, with a registered company
15. Copy of employment letter/ contract and certificate for trained mechanic
16. Trade and Business Licence
17. Copy of contractual agreement between overseas manufacturer and local dealership for dealers applying for certification as importers of new motor vehicles (franchise dealers)
FEES
A dealership certification/re-certification is valid for one year and must be renewed annually via www. jswift.gov.jm through the submission of current documents and payment of the relevant fees as follows:
• Dealership Fee – $103,500.00
• Late Re-certification Fee – $57,500.00
• Additional Lot Fee – $28,750.00
PROCESSING TIME
An application for certification/ re-certification can be processed within four (4) weeks, from the receipt of an application containing all required documents as stipulated in the Motor Vehicle Import Policy.
For additional information or assistance with applications for used motor vehicle dealerships, please contact the TBL via info@tradeboard.gov.jm, 876-967-0507 or peruse the Motor Vehicle Import Policy guidelines on the TBL’s website at www. tradeboard.gov.jm or on the Jamaica Trade Information Portal (JTIP) at www.jamaicatradeportal.gov.jm.