(CMR) Eighteen Thousand (18,000) individual imports arrived in the Cayman Islands for the month of June.
According to the Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC), June was a record month, noting that there were 5,000 more imports than the previous month.
The increase in import volumes is expected to continue for July, which has already seen 5,000 imports arrive in the first week of the month.
The CBC said the high volume of imports, which it has attributed to the country's borders being closed, has placed great strain on the agency forcing it to deploy more resources to keep up with the demand.
“The increase of imports are directly linked to travel restrictions, so the normal baggage imports by passengers are now being routed through couriers and other consolidated cargo imports,” said CBC Deputy Director Kevin Walton.
In addition to deploying more resources, the CBC has urged the shipping public to ensure that the relevant documents are completed correctly, particularly when using courier or broker services.
The CBC also encouraged the public to ensure that they provide all the relevant documents to ensure that processing is not delayed.
To assist with timely processing of packages, CBC reminds the public of the importance of completing and submitting an Appointment of Agent Authorisation (AoA) form when using courier or broker services. Along with providing all necessary documents to the agent as this is the importer's responsibility.
The completed AoA form should be signed, dated and accompanied by a valid, legible government-issued identification. An example of acceptable forms for identification includes a passport or driver’s license and colour copies are preferred.
The appointed agent should have the completed form at least 48 hours prior to the arrival of goods and customers are urged to submit the appropriate invoice in order to expedite the clearing of their goods.
Approximately 40% of imports to the Cayman Islands arrive with the incorrect invoice contributing to further delays in accessing goods. To avoid delays customers should provide CBC:
· Supplier/Sale invoice(s)
· Suppliers commercial invoice with the required proof of payment
The CBC also used the occasion to note that courier system-generated commercial or handwritten invoices are not acceptable and the misrepresentation or omission of the value of goods can further delay the process.
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