New MINCIN Regulation Sets Technical Standards for State and Private Businesses in Cuba

The Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) unveiled a new regulation, Resolution 24/2026, this past Friday. This directive outlines the technical criteria that all natural and legal persons—whether Cuban or foreign, as well as branches and other authorized entities—must adhere to in order to conduct commercial activities within Cuban territory.

This regulation is recorded in the Gaceta Oficial de la República de Cuba No. 69, Ordinary Edition of 2026, spanning pages 43 to 46, and was officially issued on August 21.

Underpinned by Decree 168, known as the "Central Commercial Registry," approved on August 12, 2026, the rule updates Cuba's commercial legal framework and mandates compliance with both formal and technical requirements for all sector participants.

Essential Technical Criteria for Commerce

The resolution specifies six general technical prerequisites that apply to both wholesale and retail trade.

Firstly, businesses must ensure the availability of electronic payment channels for the sale of goods and services, guaranteeing consumer access to these methods.

Other requirements include holding valid permits and licenses; aligning with the social purpose or the document authorizing the activity; possessing a visual identifier of the establishment consistent with the economic actor type; having certified measuring instruments; and providing conditions that allow verification of equipment and goods before their sale.

However, mobile or fixed sales points that do not constitute establishments are exempt from the visual identifier requirement.

Specific Requirements by Trade Type

Beyond general prerequisites, the regulation imposes specific demands based on the type of commercial activity.

For wholesale trade, the owned or contracted warehouse must be "previously categorized, at least with the first technological level."

In retail trade, three additional conditions are stipulated: providing graphic or electronic means to inform consumers about products, prices, and measurement units; possessing tools for handling refrigerant gases in cooling services; and "ensuring that utensils and work materials in contact with consumers are clean and disinfected."

Verification and Compliance Process

The territorial registration office of the Central Commercial Registry has three business days to forward the responsible declaration to the provincial commerce offices.

These offices, in turn, have seven business days to send it to municipal offices, which then have 60 calendar days to verify compliance and issue the corresponding report.

Upon receiving this report, the territorial registration office has 15 business days to issue a notice of maintenance or revocation of the commercial license, notifying the National Tax Administration Office (ONAT), the State Inspection, and the bank branch.

The regulation specifies that "the issued technical report remains valid as long as the requirements considered at the time of issuance are met and non-compliance is not demonstrated," and any alterations in the activity or commercial direction require a new report request.

Resolution 24/2026 is part of a broader set of regulations published in the same Gaceta, which also includes Resolution 23/2026 regarding the Commercial Establishment Classifier, Resolution 15/2026 concerning wholesale trade flexibility, and Resolution 25/2026 on maximum fees for Central Commercial Registry services.