Persons or companies considering importing heavy equipment are reminded that there is a formally-established policy for so doing.

The Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) has outlined these import procedures in a new document which relates to the importation of trucks, bulldozers and other heavy equipment into the Cayman Islands. First, an application form, which is available from the DVDL, must be completed in respect of each piece of equipment intended to be imported in the Islands. Once completed, it must be submitted with a non-refundable $100 processing fee for each application.

Applications will be processed in no more than five business days by the Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure.

Following this, the Ministry will inform DVDL of the approval/refusal, and the applicant will be advised to collect the decision letter, from the DVDL’s Customer Service Desk.

Letters of approval are valid for six months only – but, upon expiry, may be extended for a further six months if a written request is submitted to the Ministry It is also the applicants’ responsibility to ensure that the equipment being imported meets vehicle inspection requirements as stated in the Traffic Regulations 2012.

It is strongly recommended that persons complete the application process before purchasing the vehicle overseas. Failure to so do may result in the vehicle being refused entry at the port.

Applicants must present their import approval letter to Customs when the vehicle arrives in the Cayman Islands.

Once cleared by Customs, the applicant must ensure that the vehicle is registered at DVDL in accordance with the Traffic Regulations 2012. Failure to do so is an offence under Section 6 (1) of the Traffic Law 2011.

The DVDL will carry out follow-up checks to ensure that registration process is completed. Anyone with queries may contact the DVDL’s Acting Deputy Director Courtney Myles at: Tel: 945 8344 (ext. 5512), direct line: 244-5512; or e-Mail: [email protected]

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