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The Cuban regime announced a new extension of the exemption from tariffs for travelers arriving from abroad who import food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies for non-commercial purposes.
Resolution 26 of 2025 from the Minister of Finance and Prices (MFP), published in the extraordinary edition number 2 of the Official Gazette, extends the benefit until April 30 of this year.
The last extension was set in September of last year and was due to expire on January 31.
The text of the new regulation from the MFP specifies that the importation of the products mentioned is authorized "exceptionally and on a temporary basis" for non-commercial purposes, without value limits and exempt from customs duties under the following circumstances:
1- Food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies, transported via passengers as accompanied luggage.
2- Food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies up to a limit of 500 USD in value or equivalent weight, up to 50 kg, following the value/weight ratio established by the General Customs of the Republic, and exempt from customs duties, via passengers as unaccompanied luggage.
3- The increase in the customs value limit for non-commercial imports made by individuals through shipments, from 200 USD to 500 USD. The exemption from customs duties for the first 30 USD of value or its equivalent weight of 3 kg of the shipment remains in place, as well as the application of a 30% tariff on any excess above this amount.
4- Food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies imported by individuals as air, sea, and postal shipments, up to a limit of 200.00 USD or the equivalent in weight up to 20 kg, following the weight/value ratio established by Customs.
The text clarifies that in the first two cases, the benefits apply on the condition that items classified as food or hygiene products, as well as those identified as medications and medical supplies that are part of the passenger's luggage, are presented to Customs in separate bundles from the rest of the products.
In addition, the benefits outlined in section four apply on the condition that the contents of the mentioned shipments include only items classified as food or hygiene products, as well as those identified as medications and medical supplies.
In the midst of the greatest economic crisis the country has ever faced, the regime is trying to alleviate the shortages affecting the population and is facilitating imports for Cubans traveling or residing abroad, which are essential for many families.
The first time the government authorized the duty-free importation of basic goods was three days after the protests on July 11, 2021. Since then, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that the measure has had to be extended repeatedly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tariff Exemptions in Cuba
What products are exempt from tariffs in Cuba until April 2025?
Products exempt from tariffs include food, hygiene items, medicines, and medical supplies. These can be imported by travelers as accompanied or unaccompanied baggage, and also through air, sea, and postal shipments, provided they are not for commercial purposes.
What is the value limit for the importation of tax-exempt products in Cuba?
For unaccompanied baggage, the limit is 500 USD or 50 kg. For air, sea, and postal shipments, the limit is 200 USD or 20 kg.
Why has the Cuban government extended the duty exemption?
The Cuban government has extended the tariff exemption due to the severe economic crisis the country is facing, which has necessitated the easing of imports of essential goods to alleviate shortages.
How does this extension affect shipping agencies and Cubans abroad?
The extension allows Cubans abroad to continue sending essential products to their families without paying tariffs, which is crucial for many families that rely on these shipments due to shortages on the island.
Since when have these tariff exemption measures been in effect?
These measures were implemented for the first time after the protests of July 11, 2021 and have been extended several times due to the ongoing economic crisis in Cuba.
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