Used Household Goods and Personal Effects

Documents Required

• Passport
• Detailed inventory
• Invoices (new goods)
• Customs import entry form, if applicable
• Appointment of agent form, if applicable
• Customs import / export declaration
• Declaration of unaccompanied personal effects, if applicable
• Original bill of lading (OBL) / express release / air waybill (AWB)

Specific Information

• When establishing residence in the Cayman Islands, household goods and personal effects moved within the first 6 months of residence are exempt from duties if the following conditions apply:
  • Imported items are used personal belongings older than 6 months including computers and furniture (proof of date of purchase may be required).
  • Vehicles, alcohol, and tobacco are not included in the duty exemption.

Motor Vehicles

Documents Required

• Vehicle title / registration
• OBL / AWB

Specific Information

• Duties are approximately 27.5% of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value.

Pets

Documents Required

• Vaccination record
• Veterinary health certificate
• Official health certificate for animal, bird, or fish / phytosanitary certificate for plant or plant product
• CITES certificate, if applicable
• Import permit obtained from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture 

Specific Information

• The import permit must be obtained prior to the import of any live animal, bird, fish, plant, or plant product. 
• Imported species are required to undergo inspection and must be accompanied by an original copy of an inspection certificate. 
• The inspection certificate must be issued by the Agricultural Authority at origin.
• Dogs and cats must be at least 10 months old for import.
• An import permit application must be completed and submitted with an official health certificate and rabies report plus required fees.
• Dogs and cats must be permanently identified with a microchip transponder or tattoo; contact destination agent for specific requirements.
• Pets must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian using an approved inactivated vaccine.
• A blood test must be taken within 30 days after the vaccination to check for protective antibodies against rabies; approved laboratories must be used.
• Pets are eligible for entry 6 months after the date of the blood test showing a successful result.
  • Rabies vaccinations older than 12 months or blood test results older than 2 years prior to import will be accepted.
• Contact veterinary services, Department of Agriculture, Grand Cayman Islands for more information.

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Firearms, ammunition, bullet proof vests and gun powder (an import permit and license signed by the Commissioner of Police is required)

Prohibited Items

• Controlled or illegal drugs or paraphernalia
• Obscene publication and articles
• Items depicting any reference to marijuana
• Counterfeit coins and notes
• Items for gambling
• Turtles and products related thereof
• Spear guns and Hawaiian slings and parts

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air / sea shipments.

Helpful Website(s):

http://www.customs.gov.ky

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/cayman-islands.html