CBC Reminds Public of Prohibition on Importing Vehicles

The Cayman Islands Customs & Border Control Service (CBC) is reminding importers, brokers, dealers, and members of the public of the existing prohibition on the importation of vehicles eight years or older into the Cayman Islands.

Under the Customs and Border Control (Prohibited Goods) Order (2025 Revision), the importation of any vehicle whose model year is eight years or older is prohibited. As such, any vehicle with model year 2018 or earlier that arrives in the Cayman Islands after December 31, 2025 will be classified as a prohibited import. These vehicles will not be granted entry and will be seized by CBC.

General Guidance: Any vehicles with model year 2018 or earlier arriving in the Cayman Islands after December 31, 2025 will be subject to seizure upon arrival.
a. Exemptions

• Vehicles purchased in time to arrive in the Cayman Islands before the end of the year are eligible for import and are exempt from the prohibition.
•  Importers must prove that the vehicle was purchased in sufficient time to reach the Cayman Islands by December 31, 2025.
• Purchases made during the last quarter of 2025 that arrive after the end of the year will not qualify for this exemption.

b. Documentation Requirements Importers must provide the following documents:

• All bill of lading, pro forma invoices, final invoices, vehicle titles, export certificates proof of payment and any other document that CBC may require pertaining to the vehicle being imported.
• Any additional documentation that may be required by CBC to support communication related to the vehicle purchase.

CBC urges all importers to carefully verify shipping and arrival dates to ensure compliance. Importing prohibited vehicles after the deadline may result in the loss of the vehicle and additional costs.

For more information, visit https://gov.ky/web/cbc or contact CBC Customer Service Centre at 649-4579 or email CBC.OnlineSupport@gov.ky