The local authorities in Las Tunas have decided to restrict garage sales to weekends only, following the implementation of Decree 167 "On Domestic Commerce." However, the fee that sellers will have to pay is still under discussion, as confirmed by the digital portal Tiempo 21 this past Saturday.
The decree, which was published in the Official Gazette No. 69 on August 28, became effective on September 4, after the mandatory seven-day period. This new regulation revokes the Ministry of Domestic Trade's Resolution 102/2021 and introduces fresh rules for this form of commerce.
Oslayda López Espinoza, who serves as the director of Finance and Prices for the main municipality of Las Tunas, mentioned that the Municipal Administration Council is still debating the fee's amount.
For now, vendors can continue their business, but solely on weekends, until a decision is reached.
New Regulations for Garage Sales
Decree 167, sanctioned by the Council of Ministers on August 7, categorizes garage sales as occasional activities for individuals to sell household or personal items. Although it does not require a commercial license, it mandates a fee, the amount of which is to be decided by each territory.
The regulation also allows, under special circumstances, sales during holidays. Permits for these sales must be requested from the Central Commercial Registry branches either in person or online. Additionally, sales points must have an official graphic identifier and adhere to advertising guidelines.
The decree prohibits the sale of lots of imported or industrial new items, animal skins, precious woods, food, cigarettes, cigars, and alcoholic beverages.
Impact on Local Commerce and Inspections
This decree is part of a broader strategy involving 176 economic and social changes announced by the government in June, aiming to better integrate the state and private sectors.
Alongside this, the same Official Gazette No. 69 released the MINCIN Resolution 15/2026, which eased wholesale trade for private micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and non-agricultural cooperatives.
The environment in Las Tunas is marked by intense inspection pressures. In August alone, authorities conducted over 4,000 inspections, identified 24 individuals for price gouging, and issued over 2,000 fines.
Since January 2025, inspectors' salaries have been tied to the number and value of fines they issue, a system that has led to a surge in sanctions nationwide.
One of the most notable cases involved Dr. Álvaro Pérez Pérez, the only oncology specialist on the Isle of Youth, who was fined 4,000 pesos in June for organizing a garage sale offering used clothes and notebooks.
"The salary isn't enough to live on. You set up a sale to sell old rags and offer a notebook for 100 pesos, and then the inspector comes and charges me half of my monthly salary," the doctor lamented, sparking widespread support across the country and criticism of the inspectors' conduct.
Garage sales were initially authorized in Cuba in July 2021 under Mincin's Resolution 97/2021, allowing individuals to sell used items without needing a self-employment license.
Decree 167 marks the third regulatory iteration of this activity within just five years.
Understanding Garage Sale Regulations in Las Tunas
What is the current regulation for garage sales in Las Tunas?
Garage sales in Las Tunas are now limited to weekends, according to Decree 167. The regulation requires a fee to be paid by vendors, the amount of which is still being determined.
What items are prohibited from being sold at garage sales under the new decree?
The new decree prohibits the sale of lots of imported or industrial new items, animal skins, precious woods, food, cigarettes, cigars, and alcoholic beverages.