Cayman Islands

Specific Information

The 6-month clock starts on arrival, not work permit approval. This is an important distinction.

300% penalty for undeclared new items. The Customs Department inspects personal shipments on arrival and can charge a duty penalty of 300% on any items they determine were imported without proper declaration. This is strictly enforced. Movers must ensure the packing list clearly distinguishes new from used items.

2-year disposal restriction: Articles admitted duty-free must not be sold, hired, lent, or otherwise disposed of to other persons for at least 2 years. They must be re-exported at the end of the importer's stay if not consumed or used up.

6-month extension possible: If goods cannot be imported within the 6-month window, a written request for extension can be made to the Collector of Customs (PO Box 898, Grand Cayman KY1-1103, Tel: 345-949-4579).

Customs Online System (COLS): All declarations must be submitted through COLS within 7 days of arrival of goods.

Trader Identification Number (TIN): Required for import declarations. Free of charge and usually obtained quickly from CBC.

Storage and demurrage: Storage fees start on the 6th day after arrival. Demurrage charges start on the 15th day after arrival. Storage at the Port Authority is open/uncovered — LCL and FCL cannot be accommodated in the on-site warehouse during hurricane season (June-November).

Inland freight costs: Must be reflected on documentation regardless of origin.

Documents to destination agent 15 days prior: All documents must arrive to the destination agent 15 days prior to the shipment's arrival for diplomatic/privileged imports requiring Ministry of Foreign Affairs free entry.

Duties & Taxes

Duty-free conditions: Used personal and household effects are admitted duty-free if: the owner is entering the Cayman Islands to take up employment or residency for a period exceeding 12 months; the goods have been owned for at least 6 months prior to entry; and the goods are imported within 6 months of arrival.

New items are NEVER duty-free. Items purchased within the last 6 months must be clearly separated and identified on the packing list. Standard duty rate on new items is 22% of CIF value. Household goods and personal items in the lower-rate category typically range 0-10% depending on value.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Bill of lading
• Vehicle title / registration
• Purchase invoice
• Import entry form

Specific Information

Vehicle duty rates:

• Cars: 29.5% to 42% depending on CIF value
• Motor cycles up to 90cc: 32% duty
• Motor cycles over 90cc: 37% duty
• Environmental tax: USD 90 per motorcycle
• Motorcycles with sidecars: prohibited

Left-hand drive: The Cayman Islands drives on the LEFT-hand side of the road. Both left- and right-hand drive vehicles are found.

Driving: Driving is on the LEFT-hand side of the road.

Pets

• Import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture Per the Atlas International guide and CBC regulations:
• Veterinary health certificate Per the Atlas International guide and CBC regulations:
• Rabies vaccination certificate Per the Atlas International guide and CBC regulations:

Minimum age: 10 months. Cats and dogs must be at least 10 months old.

Country restrictions (CRITICAL): No animal of any description may be imported from any country in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, or the Dominican Republic. This is a very broad geographic ban.

Banned breeds: The following breeds or cross-breeds, including genetic material, are prohibited: Malinois, Rottweiler, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Shar-Pei, Pit Bull Terrier, Akita, Staffordshire Terriers (both types), American Bulldog, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Mastiff (all types).

Import permit required: Must be obtained from the Department of Agriculture before the pet arrives.

Birds: Also require a permit.