Import rules and regulations for Japanese used vehicles in Cayman Islands

Japan has acquired the top most spot as the most consistent and reasonable vehicle manufacturing market. Japanese vehicles are engineered properly and are safe to drive, that’s why Japanese cars operate well, even in case the driver forgets the scheduled maintenance. Along with new vehicles, used vehicles from Japan are also popular among people across the world. Day by day the popularity and the market of Japanese used vehicles is increasing tremendously. Every day, thousands of used vehicles are exported from Japan to various countries across the world. Even the presence of many online portal sites helped in the popularity of Japanese vehicles.

Located in the western Caribbean south of Miami, Florida and west of Jamaica, Cayman Islands is a major importer of used Japanese vehicles. Most of the cars in the country are imported either from Japan or USA. While importing a used vehicle in Cayman Islands, importer should strictly follow all rules and regulations in order to clear customs smoothly. Buyers are allowed to import right hand drive vehicles in the country. There is no mandatory inspection required on vehicles nor there is any age restrictions on vehicles imported.

Documents required:-

• Certificate of title and registration
• Drivers License & International Insurance Policy (green card)
• Proof of Insurance
• Original Bill of Lading
• Commercial Invoice

Duties and Taxes:-
Used vehicles imported in Cayman Islands are subjected to Customs duties of 29.5%-42% depending upon the value of the vehicle imported. Used vehicle importers are also subjected to onetime fee for future disposal of the car (Environmental Disposal Fee). It is based on the CIF value of the car. Importers have to pay port charges also depending upon the weight of the vehicle.

Restriction on importing vehicles:-

• It is prohibited to import any model of the Hummer motor vehicle which exceeds 6.8 feet in width.
• To import a motor vehicle which is constructed for the carriage of more than nine persons excluding the driver, permission of the Governor or Public Transportation Board is required. The passenger door should open on the left hand side of the vehicle.
• Importation of Double-decker omnibus is not allowed in the country.
• It is not allowed to use a motorcycle in combination with a sidecar and no sidecar may be imported into the Islands.
• It is not allowed to import the motor vehicle trade as “moke” or “mini-moke” or any other similar vehicle mainly known as a “beach buggy” or “dune buggy”. Without the permission of the Governor it is not allowed to import or use parts of such vehicles in the Islands.

Note- If any vehicle in breach with the above stated points enter in the country, it will not be subjected to inspection.

Shipping Ports:-
The major shipping ports in Cayman Islands are Port of Georgetown, Port of Grand Cayman. Generally, RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) shipping method is used for vehicle shipment. However, on request of customers another secure yet expensive shipping method, container shipment is used for vehicle shipment.