Ford
Pickup · SUV · Muscle car
- F-150 · Raptor
- Mustang GT · Dark Horse
- Bronco · Bronco Raptor
- Explorer · Expedition
The historic maker — F-150 world's leading pickup, Mustang an icon.
Pôle IMP·Réf. IMP-US-2026·Papeete · Polynésie française·Établi 2020
US car import Tahiti.
Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Dodge, Jeep, GMC: sourcing, purchase, sea freight, customs clearance and registration. One file opened = one vehicle delivered and registered in Papeete, 10 to 16 weeks later.
En bref·Réponse directe
Pour importer une voiture des USA à Tahiti (Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Dodge, Jeep, GMC), DBS Services — maison de commerce polynésienne (SARL, RCS Papeete D98914, fondée en 2020, basée à Mahina) — gère le processus bout-en-bout : sourcing chez dealers US ou aux enchères (Copart, IAA, Manheim), transport maritime RoRo ou container depuis la West Coast (Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland), dédouanement Polynésie française et immatriculation à Papeete. Présence terrain permanente aux USA. Devis complet et détaillé sous 48 heures ouvrées.
Landing·US car · Tahiti
← Back to Import hubAmerica
delivered to Papeete.
Since 2020, DBS Import has kept its Asian vehicle imports (EVs, LED, solar) separate from its American vehicle imports — a distinct supply chain, with its own US dealer partners, its own logistics partners (sea freight West Coast US → Papeete, RoRo or container depending on the vehicle and budget) and its own customs know-how.
Ford F-150 or RAM 1500 pickup for work or family use, Mustang or Camaro muscle car for pleasure, Jeep Wrangler for off-road adventure across Tahiti's trails: anything that runs on US roads can be imported into French Polynesia, provided the paperwork is done properly.
Framework·4 key markers
Delivery lead time
10–16
weeks
US brands covered
6
manufacturers
Full quote
48
business hours
Sea freight
RoRo · Container
West Coast US → Papeete
Brands·6 US automakers
The great American names.
Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Dodge, Jeep and GMC: the six historic automakers we regularly import into Tahiti. Each brand has its strengths — here is the detail by segment.
Chevrolet
Pickup · SUV · Sports
- Silverado 1500 · 2500HD
- Camaro SS · ZL1
- Tahoe · Suburban
- Corvette Stingray
Silverado goes head-to-head with the F-150, Corvette very accessible in the US.
RAM
Heavy-duty pickup
- 1500 Laramie · TRX
- 2500 Cummins Diesel
- 3500 Dually
- 1500 Rebel
Top-tier premium pickups — TRX 702 hp, renowned Cummins diesel engine.
Dodge
Muscle car · Sports
- Charger Hellcat
- Challenger SRT · Demon
- Durango R/T
- Ram Charger
Legendary muscle cars: Hellcat supercharged V8, Demon 840 hp.
Jeep
SUV · 4×4 off-road
- Wrangler · Rubicon
- Grand Cherokee · Trackhawk
- Gladiator (pickup)
- Wagoneer
The iconic 4×4 — Wrangler for adventure, Grand Cherokee for premium.
GMC
Premium pickup · SUV
- Sierra 1500 Denali
- Yukon · Yukon Denali
- Hummer EV Pickup
- Canyon
The premium version of Chevrolet — Sierra Denali, Yukon Denali, Hummer EV.
Process·5 steps
From Detroit to Papeete.
Importing an American vehicle follows a precise sequence. Every step is handled by DBS — you approve, we execute.
- 01
Scoping the need
You describe the target vehicle (brand, model, powertrain, acceptable year, budget). We propose 2-3 vehicles either available or to be sourced within 5-10 days.
- 02
US sourcing + inspection
We search among partner dealers and on Copart/IAA/Manheim. Systematic pre-purchase inspection (photo report, VIN check, CarFax history). You approve before purchase.
- 03
Purchase + US inland transport
Purchase under DBS name, inland transport to the West Coast port of departure (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma depending on the available shipping line). Consolidation with other vehicles possible to reduce container costs.
- 04
Sea freight West Coast US → Papeete
Two options depending on the vehicle and budget: RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) — the vehicle rolls onto the ship, often the most economical option for a standard pickup or SUV; or 20/40-foot container if you want maximum protection (premium vehicle, fresh bodywork, muscle car). Crossing time 5-7 weeks. All-risks transport insurance included.
- 05
Customs clearance + registration + delivery
Customs declaration at the port of Papeete, payment of duties and taxes, registration in the French Polynesian vehicle file, issue of the registration document. Final delivery, technical handover.
Customs framework·USA → FP import
Customs and taxes in French Polynesia.
Tax lines
- · Automobile customs duty (varies with engine size and type)
- · Local French Polynesian VAT
- · Local development tax (TDL)
- · Customs clearance fee
- · Registration fee + registration document
The calculation depends on the vehicle (engine size, type, CIF value) and the regulations in force at the time of customs clearance. Our quote lists every line item separately — no surprises when the vehicle arrives in Papeete.
Points to watch
- · Right-hand traffic: US vehicle with steering wheel on the left — compatible with no conversion
- · Type approval: recent vehicles (under 10 years) with no major modifications
- · Technical inspection: first visit within 6 months after registration
- · Financing: bank file prepared with French Polynesian banks (Banque de Tahiti, Socredo, BRED)
- · Insurance: standard FP coverage, rate similar to a European vehicle with comparable power
FAQ · US car import Tahiti·8 questions
American cars in Tahiti — frequently asked questions.
Real costs, lead times, type approval, French Polynesian customs, bank financing, manufacturer warranty: answers to the recurring questions from project owners.
How much does it cost to import a US car to Tahiti?
Every project is unique: the total cost depends on the US purchase price, the transport mode chosen (RoRo or container), the vehicle's engine size and the applicable taxes. We issue a detailed quote within 48 business hours based on your criteria (make, model, year, budget) — every line item costed separately, no surprise on arrival.
What are the lead times between order and delivery in Tahiti?
Between 10 and 16 weeks depending on vehicle availability and port of departure. US sourcing/purchase (2-4 weeks if the vehicle is at a dealer, longer for Copart/IAA auction orders), sea freight from the West Coast to Papeete (5-7 weeks — RoRo often cheaper, container out of Long Beach when protection is required), customs + registration in French Polynesia (1-2 weeks). We track every milestone for you.
Can you import a new vehicle or only used?
Both. We source at US dealerships for new vehicles (Ford, RAM, Chevrolet, GMC — every major brand has an accessible dealer network). For used, we use the major auction platforms (Copart, IAA, Manheim) and certified dealers (CPO — Certified Pre-Owned). Pre-purchase inspection is systematic.
Are US cars eligible for type approval in French Polynesia?
Yes. New and recent US vehicles (under 10 years typically) can be approved without major modification. The local technical inspection applies French standards adapted to the territory. Some very specific models (Ford Raptor R in its most powerful configuration, TRX) may require adjustments — we check case by case before any commitment.
Is there any issue with driving side (left/right)?
In French Polynesia we drive on the right, with the steering wheel on the left — exactly like the United States. No conversion needed, unlike an import from Japan or the UK. It's one of the great advantages of importing from the USA to FP.
How does customs clearance work in French Polynesia?
Duties and taxes applicable in French Polynesia — automobile customs duty (varies by type and engine size), local VAT, local development tax (TDL) — are calculated case by case depending on the vehicle and current regulations. DBS handles the declaration and payment end-to-end, and details every line item in the initial quote.
Can I finance my imported vehicle?
Yes. French Polynesian banks (Banque de Tahiti, Socredo, BRED) regularly finance imported vehicles. We provide all documents needed for the bank file: US purchase invoice, detailed transport costs, taxes paid, registration value — the financing ratio depends on your profile and the bank.
What kind of warranty comes with a vehicle imported from the USA?
On a new vehicle, the US manufacturer warranty (Ford, Chevy, RAM…) remains technically valid but local servicing must be done at an approved garage to keep coverage active. Our quote lists the partner garages in French Polynesia specialised in American mechanics (Papeete, Punaauia). For used vehicles, an optional CarShield-type warranty is available.
Quote · 48 h
A US import project to open?
Brand, model, target year, maximum budget: describe your project. Firm quote within 48 hours with full sourcing and pricing (purchase + transport + taxes + registration).
Request a quote →