The Cuban government denies rumors about the end of customs benefits for food and medicines

The Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) of Cuba denied on Wednesday the rumors about the end of the customs benefit that allows for tax-free imports of food, hygiene products, and medical supplies.

The clarification comes after versions circulated on social media stating that the exemption would end on February 1.

In a message posted on its Facebook page and shared by the official media Cubadebate, the institution affirmed that the measure remains in effect until January 31, 2026.

The MFP specified that "no decision has been made to modify the exceptional tax treatment currently in effect" and that any updates will be communicated through official channels.

However, the note does not clarify whether this regulation will be extended or not, although citizens hope it will be, as the shortage of medicines and food continues.

The benefit, established during the pandemic and extended multiple times due to the supply crisis, allows for the duty-free entry of food, medicines, and hygiene items brought in by travelers or sent by parcel, as long as they are not for commercial purposes.

The ministry emphasized that its purpose is to "facilitate the population's access to essential goods" in an adverse economic context.

The denial responds to information published by unofficial sources such as News 360, which claimed that the exemption would be discontinued starting in February 2026, a move that would have immediately increased the costs of family shipments and travelers' luggage.

The reports warned that the measure would imply "a return to the traditional customs scheme, with charges based on value and weight,” directly affecting households that rely on support from abroad.

Although the MFP has reiterated that there will be no immediate changes, the issue is causing concern among Cubans, for whom personal imports have become one of the few ways to access basic products.

The persistent shortage, high domestic prices, and lack of transparency in official communication foster skepticism toward every government announcement.