The Cuban government's latest set of regulations not only alters the rules for purchasing, selling, and assembling vehicles but also widens the scope of who can import cars. However, this privilege won't be equally accessible to everyone.
Decree 163/2026, released this Tuesday in the Official Gazette No. 65, outlines several categories of individuals and entities authorized to import motor vehicles. Yet, some of the greatest advantages are reserved for specific groups, including diplomats, cooperative workers, and other personnel sent abroad by the state.
A Broader Framework for Vehicle Ownership and Importation
This measure is part of a broader reform of the vehicle property transmission, marketing, and importation system approved by the Cuban government.
Who Among Cubans Can Import an Automobile?
One of the key changes is that certain Cuban citizens will be able to import, on a one-time basis, a combustion, hybrid, or fully electric vehicle with a capacity of up to eight seats.
The authorization applies to:
- Diplomatic, consular, and state business mission personnel who have spent at least two consecutive years abroad.
- Cuban cooperative workers, professionals, and other employees sent overseas through contracts between Cuban state enterprises and foreign entities or through intergovernmental or interministerial agreements, provided they have completed a mission of at least two years.
- Ship and aircraft crew members employed under the specific regulations of their activities.
These individuals can choose to import the vehicle from the country where they are on a mission—or even from a third country—through authorized import companies. Alternatively, they can purchase it directly in Cuba via state-approved dealers.
Additionally, those granted this authorization will be exempt, on a one-time basis, from paying the Special Tax on Products and Services associated with this transaction.
What About Other Cuban Citizens?
The decree also maintains import options for Cuban citizens residing on the island, albeit more restricted.
- Up to two electric mopeds or motorcycles (or one of each type).
- A combustion or hybrid motorcycle up to 250 cc every five years.
- An electric or hybrid tricycle every five years.
- A combustion tricycle up to 250 cc every five years.
- A fully electric car, one-time only, provided it is imported alongside a charging station powered by renewable energy sources, which will also be exempt from taxes and tariffs.
In short, for the majority of citizens, the ability to import conventional automobiles remains off-limits. Meanwhile, combustion vehicles with up to eight seats remain reserved for the special categories outlined in the new rules.
Foreign Diplomats Retain Import Rights
The new regulations continue to allow diplomatic missions, consular offices, international organizations, and their accredited personnel in Cuba to import vehicles in compliance with current technical regulations and the limits set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Authorized Entities Required for Vehicle Importation
The importation of these vehicles cannot take place freely. The decree mandates that operations must be conducted through state-authorized import and commercial entities, following the procedures established by the relevant ministries. Beneficiaries will also need an endorsement from the corresponding organization to prove they meet the required criteria.
Subsequently, a resolution from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment authorized 17 state companies to facilitate these operations and manage imports for both residents and Cuban workers benefiting from the new regime.
Comprehensive Automotive Market Reform
These provisions are part of a set of regulations published on August 4, also modifying the rules for vehicle purchase and sale, property transfer, national assembly, and the importation of engines, chassis, and other parts. CiberCuba has detailed other aspects of the reform, such as the new vehicle and component import rules, changes in property transfer, and the role of the Automotive Media Evaluation Committee in deciding which brands and models can be marketed on the island.
FAQs on Vehicle Importation in Cuba
Who can import a vehicle in Cuba under the new regulations?
The new regulations allow diplomats, cooperative workers, and other personnel sent abroad by the state to import vehicles. Cuban residents have limited import options such as electric mopeds and motorcycles.
Are there any exemptions from taxes for vehicle imports?
Yes, those authorized to import vehicles under the new rules are exempt from paying the Special Tax on Products and Services for this transaction, on a one-time basis.
What types of vehicles can the general public import?
Cuban residents can import up to two electric mopeds or motorcycles, a combustion or hybrid motorcycle up to 250 cc every five years, and a fully electric car once, given it comes with a renewable energy-powered charging station.