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The Government of Cuba announced this Friday the extension, until January 31, 2026, of the tariff benefits that allow the non-commercial importation of food, hygiene products, medications, medical supplies, and generators, exempt from customs duties.
The measure, published in the Official Gazette No. 59 Extraordinary on September 19, 2025, aims to mitigate the impact of the economic and energy crisis the country is facing.
Resolutions 286 and 287 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices extend the provisions previously established in resolutions 139 and 140, which were set to expire in September 2025.
Provisions from the Ministry of Public Health are also included, which exceptionally authorize the temporary entry of medications and medical supplies in their original packaging, without commercial purposes or tax payments, until the same date.
"The deadline for tariff benefits for the non-commercial importation of food, hygiene products, medicines, and medical supplies, through passengers as accompanied baggage, as well as electric generators (with a power rating above 900 W), has been extended until January 31, 2026," the text states.
The benefit applies both to passengers entering the country with accompanied luggage and to shipments, provided that the items are presented in separate packages from the other products.
The General Customs of the Republic warned that it will strengthen controls to prevent these facilities from being used for profit, as the measure is intended for personal and family consumption.
The authorities justified the decision by the persistence of a deficit of basic goods and energy in the country, despite the recovery programs implemented in the national electric power system.
Main provisions
- Accompanied luggage: It is authorized, exceptionally, until January 31, 2026.
- Unaccompanied luggage: The importation of these products for non-commercial purposes is permitted, up to a limit of 500 dollars or 50 kilograms.
- Shipping: The customs value limit for imports made through shipments remains between 200 dollars and 500 dollars. The tax exemption for the first 30 dollars or 3 kilograms of the shipment's value continues to apply, with a tariff of 30% on the excess.
- Conditions for products: Items must be presented in separate bundles from the rest of the luggage if they are transported as part of the passenger's baggage.
- Aerial, maritime, or postal shipments: the content must consist exclusively of food, hygiene products, medications, or medical supplies.
The objective is to maintain an alternative that allows citizens to access essential goods that remain in short supply in the domestic market.
Just this year, there have been reported two official extensions of the tariff exemption applied by the Customs of Cuba in 2025, first in April and then in September.
Through resolutions 139 and 140 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices, published in the Official Gazette, the exemption from customs duty for non-commercial imports (food, personal care items, medications, medical supplies, and electric generators) has been extended until September 30, 2025.
The second one, this Friday, extended the deadline again, this time until January 31, 2026, under the same conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Extension of Customs Benefits in Cuba
How long do the customs benefits in Cuba last?
Customs benefits are extended until January 31, 2026. This extension allows the importation of food, hygiene products, medications, medical supplies, and electric generators for non-commercial purposes without payment of taxes. The goal is to alleviate the economic and energy crisis the country is experiencing.
What items are included in the customs benefits extension in Cuba?
The extension includes food, hygiene products, medications, medical supplies, and generators. These items can be imported without a commercial character and without paying customs duties, as long as they are transported in separate bundles from the rest of the luggage.
What is the value limit for importing goods to Cuba through shipments?
For imports made through shipments, the customs value limit remains between 200 dollars and 500 dollars. Additionally, a tax exemption is applied to the first 30 dollars or 3 kilograms of the shipment value, with a 30% duty on the excess.
Why has the Cuban government decided to extend these customs benefits?
The extension of customs benefits aims to alleviate the impact of the economic and energy crisis affecting Cuba. Despite the recovery programs in the national electricity system, there remains a deficit of basic goods and energy, which has led the authorities to extend these measures.
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