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:
You can also skip ahead to the table containing the list of
Commonly Required Documents.
Document shipments to the Cayman Islands are allowed duty-free entry
into the country. The following items are eligible document shipments:
- Advertising literature
- Annual reports and intercompany mail
- Bids and proposals
- Blueprints
- Books, manuscripts, and publications
- Brochures, catalogues, pamphlets, and price lists
- Business cards
- Calendars
- Charts and maps
- Cheques and credit cards
- Computer print-outs
- Drawings, which include sepia drawings
- Driver's licence
- Graphs
- Negotiable bonds, drafts, and cash letters
- Newspapers, magazines, and periodicals
- Passports
- Photographs
- Seismic data
- Specifications sheets
- Transparencies
- Visa applications
The Cayman Islands authorities allow entry of the tabled items below
as documents if they abide by the restriction shown.
| Item | Restriction |
|---|
| Airline tickets | Only if they are validated |
| Manuals | If they are of a technical nature |
| Newsletters | If they are company documents |
| Samples | If they are shipped in a letter package; must be shipped singly
and for a one-time use only |
| Traveller's cheques | Only if they have been used |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
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: 28 May 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: 28 May 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 |
Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US
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)
Sources:
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/imports/allowances
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/imports/regulations
https://caymanresident.com/move/shipping-to-cayman/import-duty
https://www.deluxefreight.com/images/forms/personal-effects/Cayman-Customs-Declaration-of-Personal-Effects-Form.pdf
Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects
| 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 effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926
Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 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 |
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
Sources:
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/import-animal-plant-and-meat-requirements/meat-and-meat-products
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: 28 May 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 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
Sources:
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/imports/allowances
Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 28 May 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 |
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)
- A detailed description of each item is provided
Sources:
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/imports/allowances
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: 28 May 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 |
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
Sources:
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/imports
Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 28 May 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 |
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
Sources:
https://www.atacarnet.com/carnet-countries
https://cbc.gov.ky/images/documents/CustomsandBorderControlAct_2021_Revision.pdf
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/imports
Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports
| Ship To | Invoice |
|---|
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: 28 May 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 |
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.
Sources:
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&layout=edit&id=168
https://cbc.gov.ky/index.php/trade/imports/regulations
https://online.gov.ky/cols/faces/colshtc;jsessionid=bcvRPCq-nfKq2yM50Y_Jc54itmqxjELLk6Ts7A_iq1J0xx9kg99-!1168150283!NONE
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: 28 May 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: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
|
| Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided
is true and complete to the best of my knowledge |
Duty charges on imports entering the Cayman Islands are calculated using
the CIF value of the shipment. That is to say, the sum of the customs
value plus insurance costs plus freight fees.
NOTE:
The Cayman Islands does not
have any excise taxes or VAT.
By calculating the CIF value of your shipment, you will be able to
predict the duty owed by the recipient.
Thresholds
There are no thresholds (also known as de minimis values) on imports
entering the Cayman Islands. This means that regardless of the value
of a shipment, it will incur duty charges.
| Currency | Cayman Islands Dollar CI$ |
| Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Duty Calculation Method | CIF |
| TAX (VAT) | N/A |
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value) | N/A |
| Tax Calculation Method | CIF |
| |
Duties on Imports
- Candy22%
- Chocolate0% - 22%
- Spirits and winesVariable*
- TobaccoVariable*
- Books0%
- Documents0%
- Video games & consoles22%
- Computers & laptops22%
- Tablets22%
- Mobiles22%
- Cameras0%
- Accessories for Electronics22%
- Coats22%
- Beauty products & cosmetics22%
- Jewellery12%
- Shirts & pants22%
- Home appliances22%
- Toys22%
- Sports equipment22%
*Wines: $3.6/L (about $5.40 CAD); Spirits: $11.85/L (about $18 CAD)
**Cigarettes: $210/thousand (about $315 CAD); Cigars, cheroots, and
cigarillos containing tobacco: 102%
Sources:
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/cayman-islands/corporate/other-taxes
https://www.macmap.org/
Can I ship to Cayman Islands?
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.
Find out
how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment
delivered to Cayman Islands by getting a quote now.
Does UPS ship to Cayman Islands?
TODO ......................
How long does it take to ship from Canada to Cayman Islands?
TODO ......................
How much is it to send a parcel to Cayman Islands?
TODO ......................
What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to Cayman Islands?
TODO ......................
How do I send a package to Cayman Islands?
TODO ......................
How can I ship my luggage?
TODO ......................
How do I get a FedEx shipping estimate / FedEx quote to Cayman
Islands?
TODO ......................
How do I ship gifts to Cayman Islands?
TODO ........................
