The Cayman Islands were created by coral reefs laid down atop a submerged mountain range in the western Caribbean Sea. Named after caimans - cousins to the better known alligators, the islands' warm, crystal clean waters also harbour turtles, sting rays, and a fascinating array of colourful tropical fish.
Though the three islands are small, and their populations low - 66,000 in total, this British Overseas Territory has the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. With that have come impressive rates of internet and mobile telephone use as well as e-commerce activity. So, It shouldn't be a surprise that Amazon and eBay are the top sites for Caymanians' e-commerce purchases. So, even if you can't enjoy the splendours of Seven Mile Beach, you can easily ship something to someone who can.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Cayman Islands through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Cayman Islands. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Cayman Islands
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 6, 2023
8:49 am
Omega Gardens,OG, KY
Delivered
Oct 5, 2023
7:18 am
Lower Valley, LV, KY
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
9:03 pm
Cayman Palms, CP, KY
International Clearance
Oct 4, 2023
8:14 am
George Town , GT, KY
In transit
Oct 4, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Oct 3, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Cayman Islands before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Gift shipments to the Cayman Islands are exempt from duty provided the value of the parcel is no more than $50 USD (about $65 CAD).
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
Gift shipments from an individual in Canada to an individual in the Cayman Islands will be exempt from duty charges if the shipment's value is less than $50 USD (about $65 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Business
If a business in Canada ships a gift to a business in the Cayman Islands, it will be duty-free if its value is $50 USD or less (about $65 CAD).
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
Gift shipments from a business in Canada to an individual in the Cayman Islands will incur duty regardless of the value of the gift.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If your parcel contains 2 or more gifts, be sure to wrap and tag each one separately.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects shipped to the Cayman Islands from Canada may enter exempt from duty charges provided:
They will be returned to Canada when the importer's time in the country ends
The items are not lent or rented out or sold for a minimum of 2 years
They have been owned and used by the importer for at least 6 months in Canada before their arrival in the Cayman Islands
The goods arrive in the Caymans within 6 months of the arrival of the importer
Personal effects include items such as:
Clothing and footwear
Goods required for the household
Tools and instruments required for the practice of a trade or profession
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information at this time concerning students moving temporarily to the Cayman Islands with their personal effects for the purpose of studying in the country.
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to the Cayman Islands are allowed duty-free entry for their unaccompanied personal effects. Please note, however, that the claimant must complete the Declaration of Unaccompanied Personal Effects
(C5-CBC form No.5).
Moving Permanently
Persons moving permanently to the Cayman Islands, may enter with their personal effects free of duty charges under the following conditions:
They are moving to the Cayman Islands for a period of 1 year or more
The goods have been used and owned by the claimant for a minimum of 6 months
The items are not to be sold, rented, or lent out to anyone
The goods enter within 6 months of the claimant's arrival
Items allowed entry as personal effects include:
Household appliances and kitchen instruments
Footwear and clothing
Equipment such as instruments and tools employed as part of a profession or trade
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
A detailed description of each item is provided
For non-students moving temporarily with unaccompanied baggage and those moving permanently, complete the Declaration of Unaccompanied Personal Effects
(C5-CBC form No.5)
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Most foods may enter the Cayman Islands in small quantities, including meat and meat products; however, there are strict rules regarding the quantity and labelling of meat.
Meat and its byproducts are allowed entry if the parcel comes from a licenced shop, it is pre-wrapped and labelled; weighs no more than 12 kg.
You May Ship
Chocolate
Candy
Small quantities of meat*
Seafood (max. 9 kg)
*Maximum of 12 kg; must be labelled, pre-wrapped and purchased from a licenced shop
Do Not Ship
Game meats
Perishables
Dairy products
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Samples may enter the Cayman Islands exempt from duty as long as they have no commercial value, i.e. they cannot be sold. Items must be made unsaleable by being defaced or marked permanently.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Items for the sole purpose of advertising are allowed entry into the Cayman Islands duty-free. However, this DOES NOT include a wide range of goods that carry advertising logos or display the names of businesses, such as:
Pens
T-shirts, hats
Cigarette lighters, ashtrays
Calendars
Shops, hotels
Banks, real estate agencies
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment repaired in Canada will have duty charged only on the cost of the repair when the item re-enters the Cayman Islands.
Items Under Warranty
Goods repaired in Canada that are under warranty will be exempt from the Canadian GST; however, Caymanian authorities will apply duties on the returning equipment or machinery.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
Items no longer under warranty that are repaired in Canada will have GST and duties applied to the cost of repairs and to any parts that were used in the process.
Sending Product for Repair to Cayman Islands
Machinery and equipment sent to the Cayman Islands for repair will incur duties on the cost of the repair. (The Caymans do not have a GST or VAT.)
Returning Repaired Product to Cayman Islands
Items shipped from the Cayman Islands to Canada for repair will incur duty only on the cost of repairs when that piece of machinery or equipment returns to the Caymans.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Cayman Islands or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods imported temporarily into the Cayman Islands will be exempt from duty charges provided they leave the country within 6 months of their entry (the Director of Customs and Border Control may allow a longer period if requested in writing).
NOTE: Temporary importation of goods must be applied for via the Administrative Offices of the Director of Customs and Border Control (42 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman).
ATA Carnets
The Cayman Islands does not accept ATA Carnets for temporary imports.
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
All sold goods entering the Cayman Islands will incur duty charges regardless of the value of the shipment (the Caymans do not have a VAT or GST).
Occasional Shipper
Even if you only ship sold goods to the Cayman Islands occasionally, be advised that the recipient will be liable to duty fees no matter the value of the parcel (there are no thresholds or de minimis values on shipments to the Caymans).
Regular shipper
For those who regularly ship sold goods to the Cayman Islands, we recommend that you employ the services of a licenced Caymanian customs broker.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Mary Evelyn Wood 3 Harbour Dr. George Town Cayman Islands
Phone: +1 345-949-8386
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 3 Oct 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Cayman Islands. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Cayman Islands, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Prohibited goods are disallowed entry into the Cayman Islands whereas restricted goods may enter the country but may be limited in quantity or require special permission from regulatory agencies.
Prohibited Items
Banknotes and coins that are counterfeit
Gambling devices
Any item presenting an image
or reference to marijuana
Drugs, and any paraphernalia used to prepare or consume drugs
Firearms and ammunition
Any article or object with obscene images, words, or messages
Duty charges on imports entering the Cayman Islands are calculated using the CIF value of the shipment. That is to say, the sum of the customs value plus insurance costs plus freight fees.
NOTE: The Cayman Islands does not have any excise taxes or VAT.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to predict the duty owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds (also known as de minimis values) on imports entering the Cayman Islands. This means that regardless of the value of a shipment, it will incur duty charges.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Cayman Islands from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
