The Cuban regime published a regulatory package in the Official Gazette on Friday that reorganizes the internal commerce of the island and expressly authorizes the creation of chains of stores, restaurants, and culinary networks throughout the country, according to 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 norm was presented by the Minister of Domestic Trade, Betsy Díaz Velázquez.
What does Decree 167 establish?
Among its stated objectives, the decree aims to "organize and modernize domestic commerce; improve the commercial activities conducted by economic actors, and strengthen and encourage 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 "in both Cuban pesos and foreign currency," formalizing a monetary duality that was already operating in practice.
A new commercial classifier
Alongside the decree, the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) published Resolution 23/2026, which creates a new classification of commercial establishments with three categories based on quality and comfort: High Level, Medium Level, and neighborhood or convenience establishments.
The resolution also defines types of businesses according to their activities: sale of goods —markets, convenience stores, specialized shops, online stores, bakeries—, gastronomic services, personal services, technical services, and accommodation.
Technical requirements and mandatory electronic payment
Resolution 24/2026 sets forth six general technical requirements for all natural and legal persons —both Cuban and foreign— engaging in commercial activities.
The first requires "to have electronic payment channels for the marketing of goods and services and to ensure access to these means by consumers and clients."
Establishments must also have valid licenses and a visual identifier that reflects the type of economic actor.
Dollar rates 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 fees in dollars for commercial license procedures:
- 70 dollars per admission seat.
- 500 for registration or re-registration.
- 200 for temporary permits.
- 370 for registration update.
- 450 for a 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 and reopens that market to private MIPYMES 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 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 micro, small, and medium enterprises, the opening 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 worsened 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 from independent economists.
The Cuban economist Pedro Monreal described the 176 measures as a "monster, perhaps well-intentioned," and in August pointed out that the plan "only managed to demonstrate" that its promoters "learned nothing," as the apparent liberalizing shift faded in less than two months without structural guarantees to support it.
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