New rules: Exports to be checked before loading

| 23/09/2014

(CNS): All good being shipped off island by individuals or small businesses will now be inspected by customs officers before they are packed. In an effort to address the illicit export of stolen goods as well as what customs officials said were containers which were dangerously loaded, individuals will no longer be able to pack their own containers. The new export process starts next month and anyone exporting goods, except for major traders and customs brokers, will have to deposit their goods for export directly at the Port Cargo Distribution Centre (CDC), for inspection by Customs Officers before they are loaded.

"Customs has decided to implement this new procedure to help with the issue of dangerously packed containers which can be hazardous for Customs inspection purposes and to curtail the growing problem of stolen goods being shipped overseas via consolidated container shipments," said the Collector of Customs, Samantha Bennett.

At the moment people can pack containers destined for export anywhere, including on open lots and at personal residences. From 1 October individuals intending to export personal goods using shipping agencies will have their goods inspected first and after that Port Authority staff will load the goods onto shipping agents' containers specifically placed on the CDC ramp. The goods will not be loaded unless inspected by Customs officers the department stated. The port Authority has reserved Wednesdays and Thursdays to receive goods for export.

Bennet added: "This new procedure will allow for a more detailed Customs inspection and, we are confident this closer scrutiny of goods for export will help decrease the growing problem of thefts and burglaries on-island in the long run."

The Collector can relax the new requirement by permitting those who meet specified conditions and restrictions, including major traders and customs brokers, to package containers elsewhere. Those exporters will have to seek the Collector's approval in writing and customs will inspect the goods as they are loaded into the container, explained Assistant Collector Jeff Jackson.

Shipping agencies and all persons in the trade of shipping consolidated goods overseas using shipping containers are required to hold a valid trade and business licence for this purpose, which must be kept current. These agents also need to register with the Customs Department as shipping agents.

Direct deposit of goods at CDC will be verified by Customs Officers during normal working hours (8.30 am to 4.00 pm). Documents must also be presented to port staff to sign off on all goods received, Assistant Collector Jeff Jackson explained

For full details about the new procedure, please visit www.customs.gov.kyfrom Monday, 22 September 2014.

 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    This will stop expats from taking there stuff with them when they leave the island.

    This tatic has been used before in other countrys. This is one of the reasons Gypsys and Jews own gold and jewelry. They know that when it is time to go their gold is easy to transport.

    Imagine having to prove something is yours that you purchased 5 years ago.

    One time my home was robbed the police wanted me to prove it was my television when i pointed to my name carved into the back they wondered how that got there. they were upset to have to give it back. this wont work at customs  

  2. Anonymous says:

    How would customs know containers are not packed properly ? Or have they been peaking inside containers that have been sealed for shipping.

    Something just isn't right Looks like more control to me, kind of reminds me of Cuba or North Korea.

    While i am at it, it appears as if my mail has geen getting opened a lot more lately.

    Lastly I guess the drug lords of kayman are upset that others are shipping drugs and not paying the proper cut

  3. Anonymous says:

    You are all so stupid

    this is just another trick on your minds to ensure that socialism becomes deeper ingrained

    and they say its for your protection

    Soon only approved vendors will be allowed to import or export

    little cuba here we come

  4. Anonymous says:

    Pure Genius!

    The country has no manufactured  exports other than, Rum Cakes, Beer and maybe Turtle meat…… that I'm aware of.

    And how many containers leave this rock a week?

    Sorry I'm a bit pissed, as I had my outboard stolen off my boat today.

    Caymankind…..A$$holes

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Particularly when you consider that exporting turtle meat is illegal in the rest of the world (CITES Endangered species) and most of the exported rumcakes go in tourists' baggage.

    • Anonymous says:

      Moron.  More likely some bum expat took it to buy drugs. So what do you call that person? Oh, never mind you offered a suitable self description with the last word you typed. Just another idiot lucky enough to even own a boat with a motor and still wants to bite the hand that feeds them.

  5. Anonymous says:

    About time! Now if we can just get the Police to regularely enforce the traffic laws.

  6. Anonymous says:

    They are just starting this now?? In 2014?? Hello. Did someone just figure this out? Good thing or somebody might have thought to ship stolen goods out of the country. I'm going home.

    • Anonymous says:

      That's why they're doing this now because stolen items were shipped overseas before. The big Customs raid the other day was to prevent that (sending off stolen goods) by delaying the shipment to inpsect it.

  7. Anonymous says:

    Glad to hear! the stolen goods stuff needs to stop!

  8. Anonymous says:

    Well done and about time. Add airport cargo too. No reason we cannot secure this tiny island and stop the rob and ship business.

  9. Castor says:

    Well, another knee jerk ill thought out plan. Think about the hastles involved, what a nightmare this will be.

    • Anonymous says:

      …said the criminal exporter.

    • YachtmasterSo just WHAT are you "shipping" to ya cousin? says:

      Hassel? Huh.  Hust WHAT are you SHIPPING off-island to ya cousin?  Come one….the only thing we export is rum cakes.

      Don't tell me that you cannot get goods cheaper in Miami, Jamaica, or Honduras?  BS!! 

      The only thing shipping off is stolen shlt.  There goes my child's bike to your cousin, you got that receipt?  (no mon, it is used.  There goes my laptop to your cousin (Dat be a birthday present – no receipt, boat motor?  same thing…..)

      Sorry, but unless you can prove that you are leaving the island and moving to that country you cannot keep shipping iphones, laptops, jewels, watches, I've been robbed twice and just know my stuff has a fast track to your "cousin."

      I don't care if it is dog food.  Just stop the containers, Air cargo, and for gosh sakes someone search the fishing boats that are running a small illegal shipping business (Dat NOT fish on board…unless they bought it at Fosters to take to dere cousin?)

      Enforcement…..HELLO?

  10. Knot S Smart says:

    This is good but whatever happened to those containers seized by the Customs Swat Team a few months back???

    Was that big show all a Dud!!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Not being rude but Customs here dont have a SWAT team here. They're called, CNET: Customs Narcotic Enforcement Team. But they do have good domino team lol

  11. ReAlDeAl says:

    Great Job and a Preventative Measure!

  12. Anonymous says:

    Positive move. This should help deter those who are illegally exporting stolen goods. I applaud the move and trust it will help to make it more difficult for the criminals amongst us to fleece their ill-gotten gains.

  13. Anonymous says:

    This is good news!! However why are we always playing catchup??

  14. Walker says:

    This is not a practical solution. I can seethe Collectors intensions are correct but she seems very much in over her head.

  15. Anonymous says:

    Thank you Samantha!

  16. Anonymous says:

    What about the boats that regularly go to Jamaica and Nicuaragua?

    • Anonymous says:

      And Honduras.

    • Anonymous says:

      They are already obliged to "check out" via Customs and Immigration at GT Port.  Even the Fishing Tourny boats destined for International Waters are obliged to report for inspection with their passports.  Prevailing attitudes need to do a 180 under threat of pain by RCIPS, Immigration and Customs – it comes down to them to clarify our national border policy and enforce it with some big examples made of offenders.

    • Anonymous says:

      The fabled "Midnight Rambler" of the 1990s is probably a fleet of boats these days.

      • Anonymous says:

        Midnight rambler? that must refer to the drugplanes of the 80's-90's  that used to land out east end 

        I wonder if anyone whom participated in those drug flights ever got in trouble?

        Its that stuff of the good old days that keeps everyone related and in bed forever

         

    • Anonymous says:

      If you read the article properly you wouldve read the answer to your question in the very first line of it.

    • Yachtmaster says:

      All sailing vessels MUST obtain rotation numbers to depart.  This is as much a part of the LAW as leaving by the airport.  For a land of seamen I am saddened by the lack of coastal law.

      It is time to sieze these thug boats leaving our waters illegally.  This would also stop the boat theft too!?

      Thank you Customs for stopping the easy shipment of container goods.  STEP 1

      Now Step 2-  Air Cargo to be searched.

      Step 3- the Marine police actually patrol these TINY shore lines and few canals.  Come on….it is not like we do not have reefs, seeing these boats leave is simple child's play. 

      The question is….will the fat cat DRUG LORDS (that pretend to be white collar above-board businessmen) allow such policing?

      Ultimately this will stop the flow of stolen goods leaving, but *ahem, also coming "in" and thus the money laundering for the fat cats will stop too.  Here is the question.  Have you rich fat cats made enough yet?  Can you all retire and just go to church?

      Don't stop this push….clean up the exports (and imports too!)  One hand washes the other, now lets all come clean!!!

      • Anonymous says:

        Step 3 won't be happneing anytime soon, this current administration cut the marine border budget by alot (this time last year, remember???), which means less men on the water patrolling, more illegal items AND people coming into these islands….mean while at the airport, you can't even take your laptop away with you without registering it with customs…HMMM.

        Common sense not too common anymore.