The Cuban government has once again extended the tariff exemptions for the non-commercial importation of food, hygiene products, and medications.
The measure allows travelers and individuals making international shipments to bring these products into the country without paying taxes until September 30, 2025.
The regime warned that the new customs exemption for food, medicine, and personal care products is a temporary measure. This is documented in the Resolution 123 of 2025 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP), published in the Extraordinary Edition No. 13 of the Official Gazette.
Main provisions of the new resolution
- Accompanied baggage: It is allowed, on an exceptional basis, until September 30.
- Unaccompanied luggage: The importation of these products is allowed without a commercial character, up to a limit of 500 dollars or 50 kilograms.
- Shipping: The customs value limit for imports made through shipments is increased from 200 dollars to 500 dollars. The tax exemption for the first 30 dollars or 3 kilograms of the shipment value remains in place, with a 30% duty applied on the excess.
- Conditions for the products: The items must be presented in separate bundles from the rest of the luggage if they are transported as part of the passenger's luggage.
- Air, maritime, or postal shipments: the content must consist exclusively of food, hygiene products, medications, or medical supplies.
The resolution is signed by Vladimir Regueiro Ale, Minister of Finance and Prices of the Republic of Cuba. It will take effect from May 1, 2025.
Many Cubans insist that this new exemption from tariffs on food, medicine, and hygiene products is a sign of the deep shortages in the country. The government attempts to present the measure as beneficial for the population, but the reality reflects the severity of the food crisis and shortages of basic goods.
The shortages and low productivity in the country force the authorities to continually extend the tariff exemption as a temporary relief measure for the population, without implementing long-term structural solutions.
In January, through the Resolution 26 of 2025, the regime had already extended this benefit until April 30. The new extension confirms that the situation has not improved.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tariff Exemption in Cuba
What products are covered by the tariff exemption in Cuba?
The tariff exemption in Cuba covers food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies. This measure allows travelers and individuals sending international packages to bring these products into the country without paying taxes until September 30, 2025, according to Resolution 123 of 2025 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices.
What is the import limit under tariff exemption in Cuba?
The import limit for non-commercial products is 500 dollars or 50 kilograms. For shipments, the customs value limit is 500 dollars, with the tax exemption remaining for the first 30 dollars or 3 kilograms of the shipment's value.
Why has the Cuban government extended the tariff exemption?
The extension of the tariff exemption reflects the deep shortages in Cuba. Although the government attempts to present the measure as beneficial, it actually highlights the severity of the food and basic product crisis in the country. This temporary measure provides relief but does not address long-term structural solutions.
How does the current crisis affect the availability of basic goods in Cuba?
The economic crisis has created a critical shortage in Cuba, affecting the availability of food, medicine, and hygiene products. Despite the tariff exemption measures, the lack of long-term solutions and the reliance on imports continue to worsen the scarcity situation.
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