On Friday, the Cuban government announced an extension of customs duty exemptions, allowing non-commercial imports of essential items such as food, hygiene products, medicines, medical supplies, and power generators without incurring customs taxes. This extension, valid until January 31, 2026, aims to mitigate the effects of the ongoing economic and energy crisis in the country, as detailed in the Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 59 dated September 19, 2025.
The Ministry of Finance and Prices issued Resolutions 286 and 287 to prolong the previous measures outlined in Resolutions 139 and 140, which were set to expire in September 2025. Additionally, the Ministry of Public Health has authorized the temporary import of medicines and medical supplies in their original packaging without commercial intent or tax obligations until the same date.
The decree states, "The period for tariff exemptions on non-commercial imports of food, hygiene products, medicines, and medical supplies, carried by passengers as accompanied luggage, as well as power generators (over 900 W), is extended until January 31, 2026." These benefits apply to both passengers arriving with accompanied luggage and shipments, provided the items are packaged separately from other goods.
The General Customs of the Republic has underscored its intention to enhance controls to prevent the misuse of these facilities for profit-making purposes, emphasizing that the measure is intended for personal and family consumption. The persistent shortage of essential goods and energy, despite national recovery efforts in the energy system, was cited as the justification for this decision.
Main Provisions
Accompanied Luggage: Exceptionally permitted until January 31, 2026.
Unaccompanied Luggage: Non-commercial importation of these items is allowed up to a limit of $500 or 50 kilograms.
Shipments: The customs value limit for imports via shipments remains between $200 and $500. A tax exemption applies to the first $30 or 3 kilograms of the shipment's value, with a 30% tariff on any excess.
Product Conditions: Items must be packed separately from other luggage if transported as part of passenger baggage.
Air, Sea, or Postal Shipments: Contents must consist solely of food, hygiene products, medicines, or medical supplies.
This initiative is intended to provide citizens with access to necessary goods that remain scarce in the domestic market. This year alone, there have been two official extensions of the customs duty exemption by Cuban Customs in 2025, first in April and later in September.
Through Resolutions 139 and 140 of the Ministry of Finance and Prices, published in the Official Gazette, the exemption of customs duties for non-commercial imports (food, hygiene products, medicines, medical supplies, and power generators) was extended until September 30, 2025. The latest extension, announced this Friday, further prolongs the deadline to January 31, 2026, under the same conditions.
Cuban Customs Exemptions Explained
What items are included in the customs duty exemption in Cuba?
The exemption covers non-commercial imports of food, hygiene products, medicines, medical supplies, and power generators over 900 W.
Until when are the customs benefits extended in Cuba?
The extension is valid until January 31, 2026.