Importing a vehicle to Honduras requires navigating a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes age restrictions, documentation requirements, and tax calculations. With Honduras's established 10-year age limit for most vehicles and participation in CAFTA-DR trade agreements, understanding the complete import process ensures successful vehicle shipping while managing costs and compliance requirements effectively. Current regulations require verification with customs authorities as import rules can change.
At West Coast Shipping, our specialized expertise in international car shipping ensures your Honduras vehicle imports meet all regulatory requirements while providing comprehensive guidance through customs clearance, documentation preparation, and cost optimization for successful delivery to Puerto Cortés.
Successful car importing to Honduras begins with careful vehicle selection and planning to ensure compliance with age restrictions, documentation requirements, and cost considerations.
Vehicle Age Verification: Confirm your vehicle meets Honduras's standard 10-year age limit (though some sources report 7-year limits, requiring verification with current customs authorities)
Left-Hand Drive Requirement: Ensure your vehicle is left-hand drive, as right-hand drive vehicles are completely prohibited in Honduras
Cost Analysis: Calculate total import costs including purchase price, shipping, duties, taxes, and registration fees
Documentation Preparation: Begin gathering required documents well in advance of shipping to avoid delays
Vehicle Eligibility Assessment:
Honduras maintains specific restrictions on imported vehicles that must be verified before proceeding with the import process. Age restrictions are consistently reported but may vary, requiring current verification with customs authorities.
Want a full breakdown of the process? Check out our step-by-step guide to importing a car to Honduras for everything from pre-shipping prep to final registration.
Selecting the appropriate shipping method affects both cost and timeline for your Honduras vehicle import.
Container Shipping: Provides maximum protection for valuable vehicles, typically takes 2-4 weeks transit time to Puerto Cortés
RoRo Shipping: Primarily for oversized vehicles and heavy machinery that exceed container dimensions
Consolidation Services: Shared container shipping for cost savings on smaller vehicles
Puerto Cortés: Primary commercial port with comprehensive customs facilities and vehicle processing capabilities
Completing proper US export documentation ensures smooth departure and compliance with both US and Honduran requirements.
Vehicle Title: Clear title with no liens or properly documented lien release
Export Declaration: Completed export documentation filed with US Customs
Power of Attorney: Authorization for shipping company to handle export procedures
Marine Cargo Coverage: Proof of protection during transit
Submit vehicle to export facility 3-5 days before sailing
Complete US customs export declaration
Vehicle inspection and loading preparation
Final loading onto vessel with proper securing
Understanding Honduras customs procedures ensures efficient clearance upon arrival at Puerto Cortés.
Port Arrival: Vessel arrives at Puerto Cortés
Documentation Review: Customs reviews all import documents (timelines may vary widely based on documentation completeness and customs workload)
Physical Inspection: Vehicle inspection for compliance and condition verification
Duty and Tax Payment: Payment of calculated import duties, VAT, and fees
Release Authorization: Vehicle cleared for pickup or delivery
Customs Inspection Process:
Honduras customs conducts thorough vehicle inspections to verify documentation accuracy, assess condition, and ensure compliance with import regulations. Processing times can vary significantly depending on documentation completeness and vehicle condition.
Completing Honduras vehicle registration ensures legal operation on Honduran roads.
Technical Inspection: Vehicle safety and emissions testing
Mandatory Coverage: Required Honduran vehicle protection
License Plates: Registration for Honduran license plates
Driver Documentation: Valid Honduran driver's license or international permit
Compliance Modifications:
Some imported vehicles may require modifications to meet Honduran standards, including lighting adjustments, emissions compliance, or safety equipment installation.
Honduras requires comprehensive documentation for vehicle imports with specific formatting and authentication requirements.
Original Vehicle Title: Must be clear of liens with proper signatures and notarization
Commercial Invoice: Detailed invoice showing vehicle specifications, purchase price, and seller information
Bill of Lading: Original ocean bill of lading from shipping company
Certificate of Origin: CAFTA-DR certificate for US-manufactured vehicles to qualify for preferential treatment (more commonly required for business imports)
Purchase Agreement: Detailed sales contract or auction documentation
Export Certificate: US export clearance documentation
Want to learn more about the paperwork? Check out our updated list of required documents for car shipping to Honduras in 2025 to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Additional documentation specific to Honduras customs requirements ensures smooth import processing.
RTN (Registro Tributario Nacional): Honduran tax identification number for the importer
Import Documentation: Filed with Honduras customs authorities (specific permit requirements may vary)
Vehicle Compliance Documentation: Certification for vehicle compliance (requirements may vary by case)
Phytosanitary Certificate: If required for vehicle condition or contamination concerns
Power of Attorney: Authorization for customs broker to handle clearance procedures
Proper identification and legal documentation establishes import authority for Honduras customs processing.
Valid Passport: Current passport with minimum 6-month validity
Honduran Residency Documentation: Proof of legal residence status in Honduras
Import Authorization: For commercial importers or dealers
Financial Documentation: Proof of financial capacity for import duties and taxes
Additional documents may be required based on specific import circumstances or vehicle characteristics.
Diplomatic Exemption: For qualifying diplomatic personnel
Classic Car Certification: For vehicles claiming antique or collectible status (special permits required)
Modification Documentation: Engineering reports for modified vehicles
Coverage Certificates: Marine cargo and destination country protection proof
Environmental Compliance: Emissions testing reports for newer vehicles
Proper document preparation prevents delays and rejection during Honduras customs processing.
Apostille Certification: Some documents may require apostille authentication
Consular Legalization: Honduran consulate verification for specific documents
Certified Translations: Spanish translations for non-Spanish documents
Multiple Copies: Customs typically requires original plus multiple certified copies
Document Timing:
Begin document preparation 30-45 days before shipping to ensure all authentication and translation requirements are completed. Missing or improperly prepared documents can result in significant delays and additional costs.
Honduras maintains age-based import restrictions that require verification with customs authorities for current enforcement.
Passenger Vehicles: Generally limited to 10 years old or newer from year of manufacture (some sources report 7-year limits)
Commercial Vehicles: May have different age limits based on vehicle type and intended use
Passenger Buses: Restrictions reported for buses over 13 years old
Age Calculation Method:
Vehicle age is calculated from the year of manufacture, not the model year. This distinction is important for vehicles manufactured late in a calendar year but sold as the following model year.
Important Note: Age restrictions require verification with current Honduras customs authorities as enforcement and specific limits may vary.
Curious about what vehicles are actually allowed in? Check out our detailed guide on Honduras vehicle import restrictions to avoid costly mistakes and ensure compliance.
Specific vehicle types and configurations face import restrictions based on safety and regulatory compliance.
Right-Hand Drive Vehicles: Completely prohibited regardless of age or value
Refurbished or Rebuilt Vehicles: Not permitted for import under current regulations
Salvage Title Vehicles: Generally prohibited unless meeting specific repair and certification requirements
Vehicles with Extensive Modifications: Non-standard modifications may be rejected during inspection
Standard Passenger Cars: Sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons meeting age requirements
SUVs and Trucks: Light trucks and sport utility vehicles within age limits
Commercial Vehicles: With proper commercial import documentation
Classic and Collectible Cars: May qualify for exemptions with special permits and additional requirements
Imported vehicles must meet Honduras technical standards for safety, emissions, and equipment requirements.
Airbag Systems: Functional airbags required for vehicles originally equipped
Seatbelt Systems: Complete and functional safety restraint systems
Lighting Compliance: Proper headlight, taillight, and signal light operation
Emissions Control: Functional emissions control systems for environmental compliance
Environmental Standards:
Honduras enforces emissions standards that may require emissions testing for imported vehicles. Newer vehicles generally meet these requirements, while older vehicles may need testing or modifications.
Specific documentation and compliance requirements can restrict vehicle import eligibility even for otherwise qualifying vehicles.
Clear Title Required: Vehicles with liens, disputes, or unclear ownership cannot be imported
Branded Titles: Flood, fire, or other branded titles may face additional scrutiny or rejection
Commercial vs. Personal Use: Different documentation requirements based on intended use
CAFTA-DR Benefits: US-manufactured vehicles may qualify for reduced duties
Country of Origin Documentation: Proper origin certification affects duty rates
Free Trade Zone Implications: Vehicles from certain free trade zones may have different requirements
Honduras applies a multi-layered tax structure to imported vehicles including import duties, value-added tax, and selective consumption taxes, though rates vary between sources.
Import Duty: Rates vary significantly - sources report ranges from 5-20% based on vehicle type and CIF value
Value Added Tax (VAT): 15% applied to CIF value plus import duty
Selective Consumption Tax: 1% on CIF value for most vehicles
Additional Taxes: Some sources mention environmental taxes based on engine size and emissions characteristics
Tax Calculation Base:
All import taxes are calculated on the CIF (Cost, Freight) value, which includes the vehicle purchase price, shipping costs ($3,150 from New York to Puerto Cortés in 14 days), and coverage during transit.
Want to learn more about taxes and fees? Check out our expert tips for calculating duties and import taxes when shipping a car to Honduras — including CIF valuation methods, duty rates, and VAT breakdowns.
US-manufactured vehicles may qualify for preferential treatment under the CAFTA-DR trade agreement between the United States and Central American countries.
Reduced Import Duties: Potential elimination or reduction of standard import duties
Rules of Origin: Vehicles must meet specific US content requirements to qualify
Certificate of Origin: Proper CAFTA-DR certification required for preferential treatment
Gradual Implementation: Some tariff reductions implemented over multiple years
Qualifying for CAFTA-DR Benefits:
To receive preferential treatment, vehicles must be manufactured in the United States with sufficient US-made components to meet rules of origin requirements. Proper documentation through CAFTA-DR certificates of origin is essential.
Understanding tax calculations through practical examples helps estimate total import costs for budget planning.
Vehicle Purchase Price: $22,000
Shipping Cost: $3,150 (New York to Puerto Cortés, 14 days)
Marine Coverage: $400
CIF Value: $25,550
Import Duty (CAFTA-DR Reduced - 5%): $1,278
VAT (15%): ($25,550 + $1,278) × 15% = $4,024
Selective Consumption Tax (1%): $256
Total Taxes: $5,558 (21.8% of CIF value)
Vehicle Purchase Price: $28,000
Shipping Cost: $3,150 (New York to Puerto Cortés, 14 days)
Marine Coverage: $500
CIF Value: $31,650
Import Duty (15% - mid-range estimate): $4,748
VAT (15%): ($31,650 + $4,748) × 15% = $5,460
Selective Consumption Tax (1%): $364
Total Taxes: $10,572 (33.4% of CIF value)
Beyond standard import taxes, additional fees affect total import costs and should be included in budget calculations.
Port Handling Charges: $200-500 depending on vehicle size
Customs Broker Fees: $300-800 for professional customs clearance services
Storage Fees: $25-50 per day if vehicle clearance is delayed
Inspection Fees: $50-150 for required customs and technical inspections
Vehicle Registration: $100-300 for Honduran license plates and registration
Technical Inspection: $75-200 for safety and emissions testing
Protection Requirements: Mandatory Honduran vehicle coverage varies by type
Modification Costs: $200-1,000 if vehicle modifications are required for compliance
Strategic planning can minimize import costs and maximize value from Honduras vehicle imports.
Source Selection: Prioritize US-manufactured vehicles for duty benefits
Documentation: Ensure proper CAFTA-DR certificate of origin preparation
Verification: Confirm current duty phase-out schedules and requirements
Accurate Valuation: Proper vehicle valuation affects all tax calculations
Shipping Method: Container shipping provides optimal protection for standard vehicles
Timing Coordination: Coordinate arrival and clearance to minimize storage fees
Customs Broker Selection: Experienced brokers can navigate complex requirements efficiently
Documentation Preparation: Professional preparation prevents delays and additional costs
Current Information: Work with professionals familiar with current rates and requirements
Our experienced team provides comprehensive support from initial planning through final delivery, ensuring compliance with all Honduras requirements while optimizing your import investment through Puerto Cortés with accurate cost projections based on current shipping rates of $3,150 from New York in 14 days transit time.