The Cuban regime published a regulatory package this Friday in the Official Gazette that reorganizes the internal trade of the island and expressly authorizes the creation of chains of stores, restaurants, and food networks throughout the country, as reported by the agency EFE.
The central instrument is the Decree 167 "On Domestic Trade", approved by the Council of Ministers on August 7 and published in the Official Gazette No. 69 Ordinary on Friday, August 28.
The regulation was presented by the Minister of Domestic Trade, Betsy Díaz Velázquez.
What does Decree 167 establish?
Among its stated objectives, the decree aims to "regulate and modernize domestic trade; enhance the commercial activities carried out by economic actors and strengthen and incentivize partnerships among them." It also seeks to promote fair competition and optimize supply chains.
One of the most notable points is that the regulation enables the marketing of goods and services in the domestic market "both in Cuban pesos and in foreign currencies," formalizing a monetary duality that was already in practice.
A new business classifier
Along with the decree, the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) published Resolution 23/2026, which creates a new classification for commercial establishments with three categories based on quality and comfort: High Level, Medium Level, and neighborhood or local stores.
The resolution additionally defines types of businesses according to their activity: merchandise sales —markets, mini-markets, specialty stores, online stores, bakeries—, food services, personal services, technical services, and accommodations.
Technical requirements and mandatory electronic payment
Resolution 24/2026 establishes six general technical requirements for all individuals and legal entities —whether Cuban or foreign— engaged in commercial activities.
The first requires "the availability of electronic payment channels for the marketing of goods and services and ensuring access to these means for consumers and customers."
Establishments must also possess valid licenses and a visual identifier that reflects the type of economic actor.
Tariffs in dollars for commercial procedures
The Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) published in the same Gazette Resolution 195/2026, signed by Minister Vladimir Regueiro Ale, which sets maximum rates in dollars for commercial license procedures:
- 70 dollars for a general admission seat.
- 500 for registration or re-registration.
- 200 for temporary permits.
- 370 for registration update.
- 450 in duplicate.
- 260 for certifications.
Gaceta No. 69 also includes Decree-Law 129/2026, which repeals the previous regulation on the confiscation of goods, and Resolution 15/2026, which relaxes wholesale trade restrictions and reopens that market to private small and medium-sized enterprises and non-agricultural cooperatives.
Part of the 176 economic reforms
All this regulatory framework is part of the 176 economic and social reforms approved by the National Assembly in June 2026 and presented by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.
According to information from the government itself, 134 of those 176 reforms —76.1%— already have published legal backing.
The package also includes the removal of the limit of 100 workers for small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes), the opening up to private banking, and the authorization of foreign food franchises.
Reforms in the Midst of a Deep Crisis
The announcement comes as Cuba faces an economic contraction of about 15% between 2020 and 2025, further exacerbated since January 2026 by oil restrictions imposed by the Trump administration and new sanctions from Washington.
The official rhetoric on modernization contrasts with the warnings of independent economists.
The Cuban economist Pedro Monreal described the 176 measures as a "monster, perhaps well-intentioned," and in August he pointed out that the plan "only succeeded in demonstrating" that its promoters "learned nothing," because the apparent liberalizing shift faded within less than two months without structural guarantees to support it.
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