Importation of Heavy Equipment

Heavy Equipment Importation Process

1. Application Submission
The applicant (proposed importer) must first submit a completed Heavy Equipment Importation Application Form to the Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) for processing.
A separate application form must be completed for each individual piece of heavy equipment being imported.

2. Required Documentation
Each application must include the following supporting documents:

1. A current Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) or Trade & Business Licence (TBL). If expired, a copy of the current renewal receipt must be provided.
2. For private individuals - A written affirmation declaring that the heavy equipment will be used solely for personal, non-commercial purposes and will not be rented, leased, or used in any form of business activity.
3. Details outlining the type of company, nationality, and residential status of the applicant.
4. Proof of adequate storage in a suitable industrial or commercial area for housing the heavy equipment. (Proof of ownership of block and parcel/letter of permission/contract for storage of equipment applied for must be provided)
5. Specifications of the heavy equipment to be imported, including Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or serial number.
6. A clear statement outlining the purpose for which the equipment is being imported.

3. Application Fee
Each application must be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of CI$100.00.
The completed application form and payment must be submitted directly to the DVDL, where payment will be receipted and the vehicle particulars recorded for importation purposes.

4. Review Process
All completed applications will be reviewed by the DVDL Heavy Equipment Review Panel, which convenes every Wednesday to assess submissions.
Applications are generally processed within three (3) to six (6) business days, depending on the completeness and accuracy of the information and supporting documentation provided.

The Panel will evaluate each application based on the following criteria:

1. Compliance with vehicle importation standards and storage requirements.
2. Adequacy of supporting documentation.
3. Validity of the stated purpose for importation.

5. Decision and Notification
Once the review is complete, the Panel’s decision will be recorded, and the DVDL will prepare and issue an approval or refusal letter to the applicant.
All applicants will be notified of the decision within the same week following the Panel’s meeting.

6. Approval Validity and Extension
Approval letters are valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance.
Applicants requiring additional time must submit a written request for an extension to the DVDL before the expiry date. Extensions may be granted for a further six (6) months upon review and approval by the Panel.

7. Importation and Customs Clearance
Applicants must present the official approval letter to Customs & Border Control (CBC) upon the arrival of the heavy equipment in the Cayman Islands.
All imported heavy equipment must meet the requirements of the Traffic Regulations (2021 Revision) and any other applicable legislation.

8. Vehicle Registration Requirement
Once cleared by CBC, the applicant must immediately register the vehicle with the DVDL in accordance with Section 6(1) of the Traffic Act (2023 Revision). Failure to register the vehicle after importation constitutes an offence under Cayman Islands law.

Special Vehicles

In addition, the requirements for Heavy Equipment apply similarly to “special vehicles" which ideally are vehicles not constructed or adapted for use on roads, having motive power, and designed to be used, with or without accessories, for construction, road maintenance, engineering or agricultural work, and includes:

• a forklift;
• a front-loader; or
• a track-laying or wheeled vehicle.