Cuba woke up this Tuesday with a much stricter, centralized customs system that has greater control over those entering and leaving the country.
The new legislation strengthens the State's ability to inspect luggage, monitor travelers, seize goods, and even act with powers similar to those of law enforcement agencies, in a context where millions of Cubans depend on what they bring with them or receive from abroad.
Behind this change is the entry into force of the Decree-Law No. 108 "On Customs", along with its regulations (Decree No. 134) and nine complementary resolutions, published in the Official Gazette No. 7 dated January 20, 2026, and effective exactly 90 days later, that is, from this April 21.
The new regulatory package repeals 41 previous provisions, including Decree-Law No. 162 of 1996, which was the foundation of the Cuban customs system for nearly three decades.
According to Cubadebate, the General Customs of the Republic has framed this reform within a "process of institutional improvement and updating of the legal framework governing its work in compliance with state instructions."
The institution states that the new regulations "align with constitutional principles" and with "the international standards promoted by the World Customs Organization."
However, beyond that discourse, the content of the decree reveals a profound redesign of the role of Customs, which transitions from being primarily a regulatory entity to becoming an actor with extensive direct control capabilities over individuals, goods, and operations.
More control over travelers and luggage
One of the most significant changes for the population is the tightening of border controls.
The new legal framework institutionalizes more rigorous inspection procedures for travelers, luggage, and cargo, at a time when the import of products from abroad is vital for many families.
The legal text establishes as the central mission of Customs “to ensure the security of the socialist society,” a formulation that permeates the entire document and clarifies the political focus of the system.
In practice, this means that every person entering the country will be subject to a higher level of oversight, with less room to question or evade the established controls.
Concentrated power in the dome of the Customs House
Decree-Law 108 redefines the power structure within the institution.
The head of the General Customs now has much broader powers, including the ability to create or eliminate customs units, authorize special regimes, and decide the fate of goods.
It may order its retention, confiscation, or declare its abandonment in favor of the State, which reinforces control over goods entering the country.
The scope of these powers extends even to the criminal realm.
The regulations state that when allegedly criminal acts are detected, the actions of Customs will have “the validity that corresponds to those carried out by any primary investigating authority.”
Another key provision authorizes the institution to:
"Establish customs control over premises, offices, warehouses, vehicles, and other means of transport, packing materials, individuals, and other goods and locations, which includes registration."
This level of reach significantly extends the scope of the Customs Authority, which can now intervene in multiple areas beyond the points of entry into the country.
Technological surveillance and continuous monitoring
The new customs system is supported by a technological deployment that formalizes constant monitoring in airports and ports.
The decree institutionalizes radiological controls for individuals and luggage, inspections with canine units, and the mandatory use of closed-circuit television in customs areas.
Furthermore, the mandatory nature of these controls is reinforced. The regulation allows Customs to prevent a person from continuing their journey if they refuse to cooperate
"The Customs authority is authorized to prevent a person from entering a sterile area or boarding an international means of transportation if they refuse to submit to security screening."
This point introduces immediate consequences for travelers and broadens the discretion of customs agents.
New restrictions and harsher sanctions
The decree also tightens the sanctions regime.
They are classified as "very serious" offenses -with confiscation and fines of up to three times the value of the goods- including the importation of drones, satellite phones, GPS devices, propaganda contrary to the interests of the State, drugs, weapons, and explosive materials.
One of the most sensitive aspects for the Cuban diaspora is the prohibition of importing packages or goods for third parties that are not part of the traveler's personal luggage.
This measure directly impacts the informal package delivery system and the so-called "mules," a key mechanism for supplying many families on the island.
A regulatory framework to strengthen control
The new legal framework is based on nine complementary resolutions - from 529 to 537 of 2025 - which regulate each phase of the customs process: from the control of goods and the provisioning of ships and aircraft to customs clearance and the abandonment of goods in favor of the State.
The system of Authorized Economic Operator is also established, through which Customs will certify companies that it deems reliable, reinforcing institutional control over the business sector.
What remains: Shipments and personal luggage
Despite the changes, the authorities have insisted that the current rules for non-commercial imports made by individuals remain unchanged.
The facilities for importing food, medicines, medical supplies, and hygiene products remain in place, as well as the benefit for the entry of electric generators over 900 watts, a measure adopted in response to the energy crisis.
Between modernization and the strengthening of state control
The first deputy chief of the General Customs, William Pérez González, defended the reform as a necessary update that aligns the system with the international standards of the World Customs Organization.
According to the explanation, the production process took several years and incorporated around 600 criteria and proposals from various organizations.
However, the content of Decree-Law 108 points to a more complex reality. The repeated reference to the "security of socialist society" and the expansion of control powers reflect a strategy for strengthening the state apparatus at the border.
In a country marked by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and a strong reliance on remittances from abroad, the new legislation creates a landscape of increased surveillance and control over one of the primary channels of survival for the population.
More than just a technical update, the enforcement of these regulations redefines the relationship between the State and its citizens, consolidating a model where inspection, regulation, and supervision play a much greater role in the daily lives of those who travel or rely on what comes from outside the island.
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