The Cuban government has once again extended duty-free exemptions for the non-commercial import of food, hygiene products, and medicines. This measure allows travelers and individuals making international shipments to bring these goods into the country without paying taxes until September 30, 2025.
The regime has cautioned that this duty exemption is only a temporary measure. This is outlined in Resolution 123 of 2025 by the Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP), published in the Extraordinary Edition No. 13 of the Official Gazette.
Main Provisions of the New Resolution
Accompanied Luggage: Travelers can exceptionally bring in these goods without taxes until September 30.
Unaccompanied Luggage: Non-commercial import of these items is allowed up to a limit of $500 or 50 kilograms.
Shipments: The customs value limit for imports via shipments has been increased from $200 to $500. The first $30 or 3 kilograms of the shipment's value remains tax-exempt, with a 30% duty applied to the excess.
Product Conditions: Items must be packed separately from other luggage if transported as part of a passenger's baggage.
Air, Sea, or Postal Shipments: The content must consist exclusively of food, hygiene products, medicines, or medical supplies.
The resolution, signed by Vladimir Regueiro Ale, Minister of Finance and Prices of the Republic of Cuba, will take effect on May 1, 2025.
Many Cubans argue that this new tariff exemption for food, medicine, and hygiene products highlights the severe shortages plaguing the country. While the government attempts to portray the measure as beneficial to the population, the harsh reality is that it underscores the severity of the food and basic product crisis.
The ongoing shortages and low productivity in the country compel authorities to continually extend these tariff exemptions as a temporary relief for the population, without implementing long-term structural solutions. Earlier this year, in January, the regime had already extended this benefit until April 30 through Resolution 26 of 2025. This new extension confirms that the situation has not improved.
Key Questions on Cuba's Duty-Free Exemption Extension
Why has Cuba extended the duty-free exemptions?
The Cuban government has extended the duty-free exemptions due to the severe shortages of food, hygiene products, and medicines in the country. This measure aims to provide temporary relief by allowing these essential goods to enter the country without taxes.
What are the new limits on unaccompanied luggage imports?
Under the new resolution, non-commercial imports of food, hygiene products, and medicines via unaccompanied luggage are allowed up to $500 or 50 kilograms.
How does this extension affect international shipments?
For international shipments, the customs value limit has been increased to $500, with the first $30 or 3 kilograms remaining tax-exempt. A 30% duty is applied to the excess value.