Customs Questions
Why did I have to fill out a Customs form?
I was in the queue to check in at Miami International Airport the other weekend, and a Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control uniformed officer standing beside the Cayman Airways desk was handing out Immigration and Customs Declaration forms. As a resident and with nothing to declare, I told him I didn’t need to fill […]
Why is shipping inter-island so complicated?
If you are shipping a vehicle from Cayman Brac to Grand Cayman for repairs (vehicle purchased on GCM) why does it have to go through customs? There is so much red tape involved. First you have to go to Thompson Shipping in GCM to pick up the paperwork, then drive to customs by the airport with […]
Do I need to pay duty if goods don’t remain in Cayman?
I am a Caymanian who works overseas. I’m in Cayman on vacation and I took a shopping trip to Miami before I head back to the country where I am currently residing/working. The stuff I purchased in Miami will be taken out of Cayman in a week. Do I have to pay Customs duty when I […]
Are NPOs eligible for waivers on import duty?
I am a member of one of the local service clubs and we are registered as a non-profit organisation. We sometimes import shirts for our members to wear or other articles to sell as a fundraiser. My question is: What are the rules for paying import duty on those articles which we import? Are they […]
Clarifying duty-free rules
I was wondering if I can bring in tobacco, and/or spirits, in excess of the duty-free allowance, for my personal use, under the $500 allowance; i.e., if I only spend $100 at Target can I bring in $200 worth of Bailey’s, and $200 of Marlboro lights for my $500? Auntie’s answer: This is one of […]
Explaining the new Customs policy
Several months ago, it was reported that you no longer have to complete customs declaration forms if you have not exceeded your entitlement/concession. However, our customs officers are still expecting completed forms from everyone. What are the facts?
Why is shipping part of duty calculation?
I have been trying to find out why I keep getting charged customs duty on the shipping and insurance costs for personal goods I’m bringing into Cayman via a freight forwarder company. I’ve looked at the Customs Law and Customs Tariffs Law and cannot see anything about this. Is it even legal for Government to include […]
Limits on importing frozen meat for personal use
I have lived on the Brac for over 30 years and when I return from the US I always bring in frozen meat that complies with the regulations of the Agricultural Department. The last time I came in I claimed all my frozen meat but the customs officer who checked my things was, obviously, out […]
Reselling duty-free cigarettes
A friend of mine travels regularly to Florida. Even though he does not smoke, on his return he always brings a carton of duty-free cigarettes. He in turn sells the cigarettes privately in Cayman. I’ve told my friend that this may be illegal and it could affect his work permit if he is stopped by […]
