Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Customs Department
Website: http://www.customs.gov.ky
Address: 42 Owen Roberts Dr. (2nd floor), George Town, Grand Cayman; P.O. Box 898 KY1-1103
Phone: (345) 949-4579
Fax: (345) 945-1573
The Cayman Islands represent a British Overseas Territory situated in the western Caribbean Sea. The territory includes three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. It's nearest neighbors are Cuba, Mexico and Jamaica. The country is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom - associate), Caribbean Development Bank, World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) and other international prganizations.
Import tariffs
Import duties in Cayman Islands vary from 0 to 102%, the average tariff being 20.5%. Customs duty rates are calculated on the CIF value of the products. There are no VAT or excise taxes in the Cayman Islands.
Duty rates vary according to the products as it follows:
- Live animals and animal products: 0-22%
- Vegetable products: 0-22%
- Plastics, rubber, and articles thereof: 22%
- Wood and articles of wood: 17-22%
- Textiles, textile articles and clothing: 0-22%
- Footwear: 22%
- Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment: 0-42%
Import certificates and labeling
Certification
In order to import live animals (bird, aquarium fish), plant or plant products into the country, an import permit must be obtained from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture. In addition, these products must be inspected and accompanied by an original copy of an inspection certificate, which must be issued by the Agricultural Authority of the country of origin.
The required certificates are:
- Official Health Certificate for animal, bird or fish; or
- Phytosanitary Certificate for plant or plant product.
Imported meat and meat products for consumption require an accompanied Certificate of Wholesomeness from the country of origin, irrespective of the type of meat. It should be mentioned that meats are permitted only from a specific list of approved countries: United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, USA, Canada, CARICOM States, Australia and New Zealand, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras.
Labeling
Cayman Islands legislation does not contain specific labeling requirements. In general, Cayman authorities follow internationally accepted Codex labeling standards. Authorities require that products be labeled in English. Products may display multilingual labels as long as one of the languages is English. Authorities also require that product contents and volume be stated on product labels.
Documents for import
The following import documentation are required to clear customs:
- Commercial invoice
- Airway bill or bill of lading
- Import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture (for animals, birds, aquarium fish and animal & plant products)
- Phytosanitary or health certificate where required; and
- Customs declaration
Sources:
http://www.gov.ky/portal/pls/portal/docs/1/11526651.PDF
http://www.customs.gov.ky/portal/page/portal/cushome/restrictions/requirements
