Information About Car Import into Cayman Islands

Regulations, taxes and rules for importing cars into the Cayman Islands

In order to import a car into the Cayman Islands, one would need to get the car to the Port of Miami or Tampa, clear US customs and book the car onto the next ship sailing to the Caymans. The owner would need to take all the paperwork to Customs and then the Port Authority to pay the import duty (29.5%-42% depending on the value of the car), plus a one-time fee for future car disposal. A customs broker can be hired to help with the process as it can be a little tedious and time consuming.

The average cost for shipping a mid-sized vehicle with either Seaboard Marine or Thompson Line is US$1400 without insurance. However, it is highly recommended that insurance is added. US Customs Law states that the Vehicle Title for used cars must be stamped by US Customs for a 72 hour clearing period (excluding delivery days, shipping and weekends) prior to the shipping date. It is also highly recommended that a Customs Broker be used to assist with the process.

All vehicles must be delivered to the Port before US Customs clearance. The port the vehicle is shipped to depends on the shipping company used. The following are the shipping companies that can be used to ship to the Cayman Islands:

It is the owner's responsibility to get their vehicle cleared through US customs or have a customs broker do so. The following brokers are based in Miami and can help with this process:

They can also assist with the transfer of the vehicle from the dealership to the port and help with cargo insurance. In addition, they will send all the paperwork by courier and it can be collected in Cayman.

Once the car has landed at the port in Cayman you will be notified by the shipping company. If a customs broker is used they will communicate with their contact in Cayman. However, if you are doing it independently the next steps are to be followed:

Collect paperwork from the shipping company and pay shippers
Pay the duty for vehicles and the environmental fee (CI$250 or CI$1250) at Customs
Pay the port charges of about CI$50 depending on the weight of the vehicle at Port Authority
Get insurance for the vehicle (proof of insurance is needed before the car can be licensed at DVDL)
Collect the vehicle
Go to the DVDL to license the vehicle for one year, have it inspected and purchase Cayman Island's license plates. They will need to see the vehicle's certificate of title.

The Cayman Islands don't have direct taxes, so in order to raise revenue the Government charges import duty on all vehicles imported into the islands. The percentage charged depends on the value of the car and is worked out using Kelly Blue Book. For more information visit www.kbb.com.

The following are the different rates:

CIF up to CI$20,000 = 29.5%
CIF up to CI$25,000 = 32%
CIF up to CI$30,000 = 37%
CIF from CI$30,000 and up = 42%

Other useful information for local customers

The following are the different duty rates for vehicles imported into the Cayman Islands:

Up to $12,000 or c.i.f. (used cars only) 29.5%, environmental fee $1,000 and waste handling fee $250
Up to $20,000 or c.i.f. value 29.5%
Between $20,001 and $25,000 or c.i.f. value 32%
Between $25,001 and $30,000 or c.i.f. value 37%
More than $30,000 or c.i.f. value 42%

Environmental Impact Fee

There is a charge collected and paid through customs at the time of import as a special Environmental Impact Fee of:

CI$250.00 - Motor Vehicles (other than a motor cycle) imported into the Islands
CI$75.00 - Motorcycles imported into the Islands
CI$5.00 - Lead-Acid Batteries imported into the Islands (when imported separately)
CI$2.00 – Tires for motor vehicle imported into the Islands (when imported separately)