The Cuban regime has extended duty-free privileges that allow individuals to import non-commercial quantities of food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies without incurring customs taxes, as per the regulations published in the Extraordinary Official Gazette No. 7.
The new measures, endorsed by Finance and Prices Minister Vladimir Regueiro Ale and Chief of the General Customs Nelson Enrique Cordovés Reyes, will take effect on February 1, 2026.
According to the Gazette, the extension is justified by ongoing "limitations in supply" of these items, caused by the "tightening of the blockade" and the economic disruptions stemming from COVID-19. Thus, it is deemed "necessary to maintain these exceptional benefits."
What Passengers Need to Know About the New Regulations
Accompanied Luggage: Passengers can import food, hygiene items, medications, and medical supplies without value limits, free from customs taxes.
Unaccompanied Luggage: The same goods can be imported up to a value of 500 USD or equivalent weight of 50 kg, also exempt from taxes. Items must be packed separately to qualify for the benefit.
Changes in Shipping Regulations
As per Resolution 9/2026, the Ministry of Finance and Prices has increased the limit for non-commercial imports via shipments from 200 USD to 500 USD. The first 30 USD of the shipment remains tax-free, with a 30% tariff applied to the excess.
For air, sea, and postal shipments of food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies, the tax exemption remains for values up to 200 USD or 20 kg.
Special Provisions for Generators and Medical Supplies
Resolution 10/2026 allows the non-commercial import of power generators over 900 watts, exceeding the normal value limits for shipments, with a 30% tariff on the taxable excess. This benefit does not have a specified end date and will remain in effect as long as conditions warrant.
Resolution 4/2026 from the Ministry of Public Health permits duty-free importation of medications in original packaging and medical supplies such as syringes, gloves, masks, and more, without commercial intent. The previous limit of 10 kg is suspended while the resolution is active.
Resolution 34/2026 of the General Customs suspends the previous table for non-commercial shipments of food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies. Instead, a new weight-based table is applied: 1 kg equals 10 USD, with tax exemption up to 30 USD or 3 kg.
The duration of these benefits is contingent upon the Ministry of Finance and Prices, with a minimum 30-day notice required for any termination.
Recently, the Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) denied rumors about the end of the duty-free benefit allowing the import of food, hygiene products, and medical supplies. These rumors had circulated on social media, suggesting the exemption would end on February 1.
The MFP clarified that "no decision has been made to alter the current exceptional tax treatment," and any changes will be communicated through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Duty-Free Import Policy
What items can be imported duty-free into Cuba?
Non-commercial quantities of food, hygiene products, medications, and medical supplies can be imported duty-free.
When do the new regulations take effect?
The new regulations will take effect on February 1, 2026.
Is there a limit on the value of goods that can be brought in duty-free with luggage?
For accompanied luggage, there is no value limit. For unaccompanied luggage, the limit is 500 USD or 50 kg.