IMPORTATION OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS TO BE USED AS CONSTRUCTION SITE OFFICES AND TRAILER HOMES  

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 30 July 2025 – As the Turks and Caicos Islands is currently experiencing a rise in construction, the Department of Planning has observed a significant increase in the importation and proliferation of shipping containers, being utilised as construction site offices, and trailer homes across the islands. The use of these structures for residential accommodation, permanent offices, and retail businesses without the requisite approvals are illegal and is a direct contravention of Section 104 (1G) of the Physical Planning Ordinance, March 2021.

In fulfilling our regulatory mandate, the Department of Planning has engaged with key agencies, including Border Force, Department of Environmental Health, and Shipping Agencies. All parties have recognized that this practice poses serious development control, environmental, and safety risks, and have pledged their cooperation to address the issue.

Effective immediately, the following measures are in place:

1. Mandatory Pre-Approval: All shipping containers imported by organizations or individuals must first obtain approval from the Department of Planning before shipment to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
2. Non-Release of Unapproved Containers: Containers imported without prior approval will not be released from the port.
3. Disclosure Requirements: Failure to declare shipping containers, or containers containing modular units for construction site offices or trailer homes, will attract penalties under the Customs Act for Improper Importation.
4. Possession of Unapproved Structures:
   Persons found with unapproved containers, construction site offices, or trailer homes are liable to enforcement actions, including a maximum fine of $10,000.

Additional Reminders to the Public:

• Containers must not be used for any building or development purpose without prior written approval from the Department of Planning.
• Developers must apply for permission to use a trailer as a temporary construction site office.
• Containers are only permitted on site during the active construction of a permanent facility.
• Reselling shipping containers locally is strictly prohibited.
• Developers are responsible for ensuring that the container or trailer is either exported from the Turks and Caicos Islands or repurposed for another approved project within 6 months of the permanent construction project’s completion.

The Planning Department remains committed to ensuring compliance with the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands, thereby protecting life, property, and the environment.

If you are aware of any illegal activities or locations that contravene this notice, please contact the Department of Planning to lodge an official complaint:

• Phone: (649) 338-4335
• Email: planningconsultation@gov.tc

We thank the public in advance for your cooperation and support in maintaining a safe, orderly, and sustainable built environment in the Turks and Caicos Islands.