Cuban government enlist new Customs Decree for personal imports

The Cuban government has taken a significant step by passing the draft of a new Customs Decree-Law, with the aim of regulating and optimizing the operations of the General Customs of the Republic (AGR).

The program covers administrative, tax, financial and foreign trade aspects. In addition, it seeks to establish clear guidelines on the formalization, authorization and control of goods, as well as the regulation of the passage of travelers and their luggage.

Nelson Cordo Reyes, Chief of the AG, stressed that the implementation of this Decree-Law is aligned with the guidelines established in the Cuban Constitution. Although still The particular restrictions that will be introduced have not been specifiedit is anticipated that the new regulations will have a direct impact on customs operations, especially at the entrance points to the country, such as ports, airports and marinas.

Greater control over traveler imports

This development occurs in a complex economic context, characterized by the shortage of essential products and the difficulties that citizens face to access essential goods.

In this scenario, imports made by travelers from abroad have been fundamental to replace shortcomings in the local market. However, the authorities seek to reduce the flow of products imported by travelers for internal resale, encouraging consumption in stores that operate in freely convertible currency (MLC) and are under state control.

Background of the new project

In January 2025, the Government implemented a reform to Decree-Law 22 of 2020, establishing the payment of dollar tariffs for certain non-commercial imports.

This measure introduced significant changes in import policies for travelers, mainly affecting the payment conditions of customs tariffs, calculation methods and the accepted currency to pay customs rates.

In addition, in September 2024, the tariff exemption for the importation of food, cleaning products and medications was extended until January 31, 2025. This measure allowed travelers to enter certain products without the payment of customs taxes, with limitations in the value and weight of the allowed items.

Changes of the new Customs Decree-Law

The introduction of the new Customs Decree-Law is part of a series of measures aimed at adjusting the country’s commercial policies and strengthening state control over imports.

The actions reflect the intention of the government to more efficiently manage the entries and exits of goods and people, adapting to the current economic circumstances and seeking to mitigate the effects of the shortage of essential products.

It is expected that, in the coming months, the authorities provide more specific details on the restrictions and regulations that will accompany the implementation of this decree-law.

Meanwhile, citizens and travelers must remain informed about changes in customs policies to comply with new regulations and avoid inconveniences in their commercial displacements and activities.