Transport Minister warns: It is not possible to legalize motorcycles assembled with parts purchased from MIPYMES

The Minister of Transport of Cuba, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, reminded that it is prohibited to legalize motorcycles assembled with parts purchased from MIPYMES.

In a post on his Facebook wall to clarify doubts about motorcycle commercialization, the leader explained that if someone buys parts of a motorcycle from a MIPYME, builds the frame, and assembles a motorcycle, they will not be able to legalize it later.

He then listed the channels established by the government for acquiring a complete motorcycle.

"From another person who has previously legalized it, through the authorized importing/commercial entities, imported as unaccompanied luggage or through a shipment consigned to your name," he detailed.

Motorcycles assembled in the country by MIPYMES or other forms of non-state management without the appropriate license will also not be legalized and it was revealed that there have already been instances of this.

"Following an authorization issued to sell imported parts and components, as part of the process of repairing already legalized motorcycles, they have offered complete motorcycles, providing an invoice for the unit and another for the rest, a procedure that does not comply with the established regulations," he criticized.

"The important factors to consider when purchasing a motorcycle are: the brand and model, compliance with requirements regarding engine displacement and manufacturing date, the price, the warranty, the potential access to spare parts and workshop services, and very importantly, the way it enters the country. You must ensure that it is not assembled from parts and pieces, a mode authorized exceptionally for vehicles that already existed...", he emphasized.

Regarding whether it is possible to import a motorcycle as unaccompanied baggage, completely disassembled, Rodríguez Dávila responded that "it is not recommended."

"A motorcycle that has had certain parts (handlebars, seat, and wheels) removed to facilitate its transportation or packaging may be accepted, provided it has the corresponding technical passport and invoice; however, a collection of parts and components from a supposed disassembled vehicle, which only a specialist could determine if it is what it claims to be or something else, will not be accepted, as this could lead to complications," he pointed out.

According to the note, the law permits the importation of a motorcycle as a single item and does not stipulate that customs authorities determine during clearance whether what is being imported is a set of parts and pieces or a complete motorcycle.

Motor units (engine or cylinder block) cannot be imported either. This can only be done through authorized importers / distributors, not directly.

The official added that there are MIPYMES with Transportation Operating Licenses that have legally imported motorcycle units. "They can assemble and invoice these units as part of the workshop services they provide, as long as it serves as a replacement for a motorcycle registered in the Vehicle Registry."

Lastly, he referred to the legalization of electric and combustion motorcycles offered by various websites with delivery in Cuba.

"In many cases, it is promised, prior to the payment execution, the delivery of a specific equipment in the country, which would be imported as a shipment addressed to their name, with the corresponding invoice, fulfilling the established requirements. This is possible by clearly clarifying the legality of the offer," he specified.

Frequently Asked Questions about Motorcycle Legalization in Cuba