CIPS Restores Full Express Mail Service To The U.S.
The Cayman Islands Postal Service (CIPS) is advising the public that EMS (Express Mail Service) to the United States resumed on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
This resumption follows a period of suspension due to changes in U.S. import regulations. EMS service is now available to all customers for both documents and goods, and will be processed in compliance with the new U.S. import tariff requirements.
CIPS has confirmed that EMS items may be posted from the following locations only:
General Post Office
Seven Mile Beach Post Office
Savannah Post Office
West End Post Office (Cayman Brac)
Little Cayman Post Office
The CIPS has so far resumed service to the USA for ordinary letter mail, tracked delivery letters, EMS documents, and EMS merchandise. However, service to the USA remains temporarily suspended for registered items, small packets, and parcels.
“We’re pleased to resume full EMS service to the U.S. for all our customers", Postmaster General Sheena Glasgow shared, "but customers should be aware that this comes with important changes. Most notably, import tariffs must now be paid at the time of posting, and a declaration of country of origin (manufacture) for every item of goods being posted is required.
We also encourage customers to use the EAD (Electronic Advance Data) app to prepare their electronic declaration before visiting the counter. This allows the CIPS to conduct an advanced assessment of the declared goods, then advise customers of the estimated fees to be paid at the time of posting. Doing so will also help reduce wait times.
To comply with the Executive Order issued by the U.S. Government, CIPS will collect applicable U.S. import duties from customers at the time of posting. EMS postage rates remain unchanged, but a small processing fee and a refundable deposit must also be paid at the time of posting. Customers are cautioned to expect some delivery delays within the USA as the USPS also adjusts to changes in their own procedures.
Key Requirements for EMS to the U.S.:
Maximum weight: 22 lbs (10 kg) per EMS item
Mandatory: Declaration of each item's country of origin or manufacture
Tariffs: U.S. import duties must be paid at the time of posting
Recommended: Use the EAD app before visiting the counter
Content Restrictions: Customers are encouraged to visit https://www.usps.com to review current prohibited items
Service Priority: EMS items will receive expedited processing, but delays may occur due to ongoing adjustments by U.S. authorities
Customers should also expect slightly longer counter times when posting due to the additional customs processing. However, completing declaration information in advance using the EAD app will help reduce these delays.
“We thank the public for their patience as we adapt to the U.S. Government’s new import regime." Deputy Postmaster General, Melissa Martinez-Ebanks, continued, "These changes are affecting postal operators around the world. Our teams have worked diligently to ensure that EMS service can resume safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with the new USA standards. This situation is affecting jurisdictions worldwide, and the CIPS is one of only five postal operators that are known to have resumed sending merchandise to the USA, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our CIPS team!”
CIPS and MDAHA will continue to monitor developments and provide public updates as new guidance becomes available. For further information, please contact the CIPS Customer Service team at CIPSCustomerCare@gov.ky or WhatsApp +1 (345) 916-6535. To stay connected with the Ministry of District Administration & Home Affairs, follow us on social media @mdahacayman or by visiting our website at https://www.gov.ky/mha/.
