I have a group of friends that have identified a 2015 Toyota van they would like to purchase and subsequently donate to a needy family here in the Santiago area. I've agreed to help them in this process and have learned that it is a "rebuilt" title. I know "Salvage" titles are not allowed to be imported - but several at SeaBoard believe that "rebuilt" titles are indeed allowed into the country. Is this true (because I don't want to get into problems with Aduanas) and if so where could I find some documentation or law (etc.) on this online within Aduanas? Thanks in advance for your advice.
First a little background information is in order.
In order to have a "Rebuilt" title the vehicle must have previously carried a "Salvage" title and been declared a total loss.
Once the vehicle is re-branded as "Rebuilt" and in order to be imported into the Dominican Republic, it must have been registered for at least one year prior to entry. This sounds like where you will encounter problems with Aduana. And unless they waive that restriction, you will likely not be able to land it successfully.
But that is not your biggest problem. Unless they also somehow waive your import taxes, you will pay approximately 35% of Aduana's value in taxes and first placa (not what you paid) of the vehicle........which is currently $942,000 pesos.
Better to call Aduana directly
info@dga.gov.do or (809) 547-7070. Just also know that what you might be told over the phone might not actually be what happens as each port has their own administrator.........and often times their own rules.
Good luck.
Respectfully,
Playacaribe2