Customs regulations enter into effect

Nuria Barbosa León

New regulations established by the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba came into effect September 1, 2014, to regulate imports of non-commercial products, which are applicable to all individuals arriving to the county or receiving goods from abroad.

Published in the Official Gazette No. 30, Resolutions 206, 207, 208 and 300 of the Ministry of Finance and Prices, the norms are an update of customs policy implemented in 2011.

The measures stem from recent investigations which revealed a high volume of imports made by individuals intended for commercial sale and profiteering, by exploiting the previously established non-commercial import allowances.

Published in addition to the new customs regulations, were current norms, the list of values assigned different items, and limits to determine the commercial character of items imported by travelers.

The total value of articles imported - not including personal effects - per passenger remains the same; subject to payment of duty, can not exceed 1,000 Cuban pesos. Meanwhile, sent items can not exceed 200 pesos.

What have changed are the quantities of some items imported via any mode of transportation, their value, as well as weight and payment of duty of miscellaneous items sent via post, air or sea.

Cubans serving in international missions, once their work is complete, will continue to be able to bring household goods into the country, including items such as furniture and essentials which do not constitute personal effects, but which are intended for domestic use and for which they will not be charged.

None of the resolutions change what is stipulated in regards to passenger rights relating to personal effects which are not taxable; the same is applicable to those that bring or send 10 kilograms of medicine.

Customs will face the challenge of finding a way to implement to the established norms without causing delays in the flow of travelers through terminals, avoiding inconveniencing passengers at all costs with unjustified revisions or requirements, as those who have no imports to declare will continue to travel via the Green Channel in international Cuban Airports.

These regulations will only effect repeat offenders importing goods for commercial sale and profiteering. Customs authorities will determine whether an import is illicit, bearing in mind the nature, quantity, function or repeated importation of the items.

The measures are designed to protect the national economy.

Customs can be contacted to respond to complaints, doubts and uncertainties via the email: publico@agr.aduana.cu or personally in their offices at boarding points and institutional locations.

Cuban Customs is, among its many tasks, responsible for protecting the population, Cuban industry and the environment, as well as detecting and combating drug-trafficking, terrorism and contraband, warranting the necessary controls applicable to individuals and goods which enter or exit the country.

The official resolutions - which can be accessed at www.aduana.cu - may contribute to the orientation of individuals both to their rights and obligations in regards to imports of a non-commercial character as passengers or via postal services.