Shipping Car Parts to The Bahamas

Car parts are one of the best reasons to shop in the US: the choice is wider, and even after shipping and duty, many parts can cost less than buying locally. They're also one of the most expensive things to import, so it pays to know the costs before you order. This guide covers duty, freight, what can and can't fly, and how to make sure the part fits.

The duty on car parts

Car parts pay some of the highest duty rates of anything you can order online. As of October 2026:

• Most auto parts, rims and engines: 60%
• Brake pads, car alarms, jacks and motor oil: 45%
• Brake fluid, transmission fluid and antifreeze: 40%
• Tires: 25%, plus a $5 environmental levy per car tire
• Oil, air and water filters: 20%, down from 45% in July 2025

On top of duty comes the customs processing fee (1% of the value, $10 minimum) and VAT of 10% on the landed cost, which includes the duty and freight. See every rate on the car parts duty rates page, which is kept up to date.

Freight on heavy parts

Parts are heavy for their size, so freight matters. With Mr. Ship It, freight is $8.99 up to 5 lb, $1.89 per lb from 5 to 30 lb, and $0.99 per lb plus a $20 XL parcel fee from 30 lb. A bulky part, such as a bumper or a set of tires, is charged on its box size when that's greater than its weight (length × width × height ÷ 139). See all the rates and fees.

Shipments valued over $2,500 need a US export filing (S.E.D.), which we file for $30.

A worked example

A $200 alternator weighing 15 lb:

Charge	Amount
Freight (15 lb × $1.89)	$28.35
Duty (60% of $200)	$120.00
Processing fee	$10.00
Customs VAT (10% of $358.35 landed cost)	$35.84

Package protection and VAT on our services are added to the freight. For your own part, the shipping calculator adds it all up, including the box size.

Fluids, batteries and other hazardous goods

Some car products count as hazardous goods for the flight: certain fluids, aerosols such as spray paint and cleaners, and batteries. Airline rules restrict how they can fly, and a hazardous materials charge applies. Call us on 603-5555 before ordering fluids or batteries, and we'll tell you what can travel and what it costs.

Getting the right part first time

Returning a part to a US store from The Bahamas costs time and freight both ways, so check before you buy:

• Search by your VIN or exact year, make, model and engine. Most US parts sites let you save your vehicle and filter to parts that fit.
• Compare part numbers. If you have the old part, match the number printed on it.
• Check the seller ships to US addresses. Anything that ships to Florida works with your free US address.
• Order everything in one go so it arrives with one invoice, and upload the invoice as soon as you order. Our customs invoice guide explains what Customs needs.

Tires and rims

Tires pay a lower duty rate than other parts, plus the environmental levy on each one. Rims pay the full parts rate whether or not they're mounted on tires. Tires are bulky, so freight is usually charged on box size: run them through the calculator with the dimensions before you buy.

For bigger items such as engines and body panels, see our freight forwarding service. Ready to order? Get your free US address.