The Cuban government has given the green light to a foundational proposal and the draft of a new Customs Decree-Law aimed at regulating customs operations, as reported on government social media channels. According to the Cuban government's X profile, this legislation will soon be presented to the Council of State. Nelson Cordovés Reyes, head of the General Customs of the Republic (AGR), explained during a Council of Ministers session that the Decree-Law aims to standardize the organization and functioning of the AGR concerning the "formalization, authorization, enjoyment, and control of customs regimes."
Additionally, the decree proposes the "customs clearance" of goods and the means by which they are transported, including shipments, travelers, and their luggage. This clearance process involves removing goods from customs after fulfilling legal and administrative requirements, allowing them to enter the country legally. Essentially, it involves the nationalization of imported goods, liberating them for use or sale within the country. The new regulation will also emphasize compliance with customs-related regulations at the border.
"The text aligns with constitutional tenets and current legislation, particularly in administrative, tax, financial, and foreign trade matters," the regime stated, without offering further details about the document. Online commentators were quick to criticize the development of yet another law that seems to impose further restrictions on the Cuban people. One Cuban on Facebook pointed out that Customs is directly responsible for the blockade against the Cuban people, as it unilaterally assumes powers. Another person commented, "Resulting in more misery for the people. Those who propose and approve these laws and articles do not suffer their consequences. Meanwhile, at higher levels, there's increasing corruption. Enjoy it while it lasts, as no evil lasts 100 years, and their time will come."
In January, the Cuban regime implemented a reform to Decree-Law 22 of 2020, imposing tariff payments in dollars on non-commercial imports of certain items. This measure brought significant changes to import policies for travelers, as outlined in Decree-Law 101, published in the Official Gazette. The new decree updated the provisions of Decree-Law 22 of 2020, which regulated non-commercial imports, meaning those carried out by individuals or entities for personal consumption or specific use.
Among the most notable changes was the requirement to pay tariffs in freely convertible currency (MLC), such as the U.S. dollar (USD), for certain imported products.
Understanding Cuba's New Customs Regulations
What is the purpose of the new Customs Decree-Law in Cuba?
The new Customs Decree-Law aims to regulate the organization and functioning of the General Customs of the Republic, focusing on the formalization, authorization, enjoyment, and control of customs regimes, as well as the customs clearance of goods, shipments, travelers, and their luggage.
How does the customs clearance process work under this new law?
Customs clearance involves removing goods from customs after fulfilling all legal and administrative requirements for their legal entry into the country, effectively nationalizing imported goods for use or sale domestically.
What changes were introduced in Decree-Law 101 regarding imports?
Decree-Law 101 updated the provisions of Decree-Law 22 of 2020, requiring tariffs to be paid in freely convertible currency, such as the U.S. dollar, for certain non-commercial imports by individuals or entities.