G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11   
12 October 2021  
(21-7684) Page: 1/62 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: Spanish  
 
  
REPLIES TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER ARTICLE  7.3 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES (2021)  
CUBA 
The following communication, dated 1  October  2021, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Cuba.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Index  
1  MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (CITMA)  ....................  3 
1.1  Office for Environmental Regulation and Safety (ORSA)  ................................ .....................  3 
1.1.1  Directorate of Environmental Control (DCA)  ................................ ................................ ... 3 
1.1.2  Directorate of Nuclear Safety (DSN)  ................................ ................................ ............. 14 
1.2  National Bureau of Standards (ONN)  ................................ ................................ ............... 17 
1.2.1  Measuring instruments  ................................ ................................ ............................... 17 
2  MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (MINAG)  ................................ ................................ ........  19 
2.1  Directorate of Plant Health (DSV)  ................................ ................................ ................... 19 
2.2  Department of Soils and Fertilizers (DSF)  ................................ ................................ ........ 21 
2.3  Directorate of Animal Health (DSA)  ................................ ................................ ................. 23 
3  MINISTRY OF THE ARMED FORCES  ................................ ................................ ..............  24 
3.1  National Office of Hydrography and Geodesy (ONHG)  ................................ ....................... 24 
4  MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR (MININT)  ................................ ................................ ...... 26 
4.1  Protection Directorate ................................ ................................ ................................ ....26 
4.2  Fire Protection Agency  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...28 
5  MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MINSAP) ................................ ................................ .... 32 
5.1  National Directorate of Medicines and Medical Technologies, Pharmaceutical Services 
Depar tment, Control Unit for Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Other Similar 
Substances (DNMTM) ................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 32 
5.2  National Institute of H ygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology (INHEM)  ............................... 36 
5.2.1  Department of Sanitary Registration and Control  ................................ ........................... 36 
5.3  Centre for State Control of Medicines and Medical Equipment and Devices (CE CMED) ........... 38 
 
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex, for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  5.3.1  Control of imports of medicines for human use, medical equipment and devices.  .............. 38 
5.3.2  Control of cross -border movement of samples of biological material  ................................ 40 
5.3.3  Import of raw materials, medicines, diagnostic devices and cosmetics of animal origin.  .....41 
6  MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY (MTSS)  ................................ ..............  44 
6.1  Centre for the Certification of Personal Protective Items and Equipment (CCEPP)  ................. 44 
7  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HYDRAULIC RESOURCES (INRH) ................................ ........  47 
7.1  Directorate -General of Integrated Water Management  ................................ ...................... 47 
8  MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY (MINDUS)  ................................ ................................ ............  48 
8.1  National Lift Group (GNA)  ................................ ................................ .............................. 48 
9  MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINING (MINEM)  ................................ ............................  50 
9.1  National Office for the Control of the Rational Use of Electricity (ONURE)  ............................ 50 
10  MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (MINCOM) ................................ ............................  52 
10.1  Technical Budgeted Entity for the Control of the Radio Frequency Spectrum (UPTCER)  .......52 
11  MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION  ................................ ................................ ..................  54 
11.1  Centre for the Development of Construction Standards and Construction Costs (CDNCC)  ....54 
12  MINIST RY OF TRANSPORT ................................ ................................ .........................  56 
12.1  Cuban Ship Registry (RCB) ................................ ................................ ........................... 56 
13  MINISTRY OF CULTURE  ................................ ................................ .............................  58 
13.1  National Registry of Cultural Property (RNBC)  ................................ ................................ 58 
14  CENTRAL BANK OF CUBA (BCC)  ................................ ................................ .................  60 
14.1  Precious metals and stones  ................................ ................................ .......................... 60 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  1   MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (CITMA)  
1.1  Office for Environmental Regulation and Safety (ORSA)  
1.1.1   Directorate of Environmental Control (DCA)  
1.1.1.1   Biological agents and their products, and organisms and parts thereof containing 
genetic information  
Outline of systems  
1. For these purposes, biological agents are defined as viable micro -organisms and their products, 
prions and other organisms which caus e or may cause disease in humans, animals and plants; 
organisms are defined as any biological entity that is genetically modified or exotic to the country, 
capable of reproduction or of transferring genetic material . Licences are granted for the use, testi ng, 
production, release, importation and exportation of, and research into, biological agents and their 
products, and organisms and parts thereof containing genetic information, in the national territory, 
and at the various stages of the construction of fa cilities posing a biological risk. This procedure is 
in conformity with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity and 
the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Biological and 
Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Non-automatic licensing; to administer the import restrictions applied in accordance with current 
legislation. Biological safety authorization is a form of environmental licence, through which the 
CITMA, after having carried out a risk assessment, authoriz es a natural or legal person to conduct 
certain activities in accordance with a number of conditions and requirements. Authorization can be 
granted in the form of a licence, permit, notification or report.  
Licences are the form of biological safety authori zation used for activities posing the highest level of 
risk, which include the importation of biological agents and their products, and organisms and parts 
thereof containing genetic information. For the importation of parts of biological agents containing  
genetic information, which is a lower risk activity, a biological safety notification is required.  
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
4. The system does not provide for a limit to the quantity or value of imports; this depen ds instead 
on the risk analysis carried out in each case.  
5. Decree -Law No. 190 on biological safety. Section 1, Article 4(c) , establishes the responsibilities 
of the CITMA, which include granting, suspending and withdrawing licences for activities relatin g to 
the use, testing, production, release, importation and exportation of, and research into, biological 
agents and their products, and organisms and parts thereof containing genetic information.  
Resolution No. 180/2007. "Regulations for the granting of Biological Safety Authorization". 
Chapter  1, Article 6(e) provides that prior biological safety authorization must be obtained in order 
to import and export biological agents and their products, and organisms and parts thereof 
containing geneti c information.  
Resolution No. 2/2004. "Regulations governing the Accounting and Control of Biological Materials, 
Equipment and Technology". Chapter IV, Article 26 establishes the safeguards report as an essential 
requirement for activities relating to the transfer of biological agents, organisms, equipment and 
technology . 
The legislation specifies which organisms are subject to control, i.e. biological agents that affect 
humans, animals and plants; genetically modified organisms; exotic species; and parts o f any of 
these containing genetic information. These products constitute the converge of biological safety 
regulation and the scope of risk control . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  The granting of licences is statutorily required. The legislation does not leave the designation of 
product s subject to licensing to administrative discretion and it is not possible for the Government 
to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
Proced ures  
6. No t applicable . 
 
7.(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations mus t be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goods), accor ding to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case . 
 
The application assessment process can vary from 30 (notification) to 90 (licences other than 
for the importation of genetically modified organisms intended for release into the 
environment) or  270 (importation of genetically modified organisms intended for release into 
the environment) working days from the date of receipt of the application, provided that the 
information submitted is complete. Should further information be required, the proces s will be 
suspended until the relevant information has been received. Authorization must therefore be 
requested in accordance with the established time limits. The timeframe and procedures for 
the safeguards report are the same as for the biological safety  import licence for biological 
materials, equipment or technology.  
 
(b) In Cuba's case, it is not possible to grant authorization immediately except under very 
exceptional circumstances, as the products concerned pose a risk to those handling them, to 
the community and to the environment. Enough time is therefore needed to carry out a risk 
analysis that includes bibliographical consultation, consultation with experts and the 
application of risk identification techniques . 
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application may be made . 
 
(d) Examination of biological safety licence applications is the job of the ORSA . However, in the 
course of its examination, it may need to call on experts from other administrative bodies to  
assist in reaching a final decision. Applications are also submitted to ORSA for an opinion on 
whether or not the activities are appropriate. ORSA's technical report is binding for the 
granting of a biological safety licence . 
 
8. In general, applications for biological safety import licences may be refused for two reasons : 
 
- The activity's adverse effects on human, animal and plant health or the environment are so 
evident that authorization is inadvisable in the light of the conditions in the country ; 
- The anticipated benefits are not worth the risks involved . 
 
In addition to the granting or refusal of a licence, other decisions may be taken:  
 
- The granting of a licence with certain conditions attached to its validity: the competent 
authority may approve a planned activity and issue a licence with the rider that the holder will 
make the requisite changes or improvements within the specified time limit or else the licence 
will lose its validity ; 
-  Deferral: granting of the licence is deferred when changes or improvements to the planned 
activity are needed in order to remedy safety defects and so forestall any adverse effects .  
 
In the event of refusal or deferral, the competent authority must state the grounds in writing, 
accounting fo r the decision in detail.  
 
Appeal against the competent authority's decision lies within 10 working days of the date of 
notification, as appropriate, to:  
 
- The Director -General of ORSA ; 
- The Minister of the CITMA when the impugned decision is upheld by t he Director -General of 
ORSA .  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  The authority concerned must rule within 15 working days of the date on which the appeal was filed.  
 
All the above procedures are described in and regulated by Resolution No. 180/2007 "Regulations 
for the granting of Biologica l Safety Authorization".  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers of the Chamber 
of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba .  
 
Documentational and other requirements for ap plication for licence  
10. In order to obtain an import licence, the applicant must submit the following elements  to the 
competent authority : 
 
- Written application for an environmental licence ; 
- Certified copy of the requesting entity's charter ; 
- Certified copy of the document officially appointing the owner of the requesting entity ; 
- A technical file containing the general information referred to in Annexes 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 
to Resolution No. 180/2007 pertaining to the specific product to be imp orted . 
 
11. Upon importation, the relevant biological safety licence is required.  
 
12. Import licences cost between CUP 4,032 and 10,390. 
 
13. Not applicable . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of a licence depends on the assessment made b y the specialist in charge 
of the process. To renew a licence upon its expiry, a new letter of application must be submitted to 
ORSA .  
 
15. Penalties are imposed only if importation takes place without biological safety authorization or 
after the licence e xpiry date . 
  
16. Licences are not transferable between importers . 
 
17. The issuing of a licence is subject to the conditions laid down in the legislation on biological 
safety . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable . 
 
19. Not applicable . 
 
20. Office for Environmental Regulation and Safety ( ORSA ). Director : Juan Bautista Sosa Marín. 
Email:  sosa@orasen.co.cu ; Tel.: (+53) 72024601; http://www.orasen.cu .  
 
1.1.1.2   Species of special significance for biological diversity in the country and 
endangered species of wild flora and fauna  protected under  the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora  (CITES)  
Outline of systems  
1. Parts o r derivatives (specimens)  are included , as specified under  CITES.  
 
Species : Any species, subspecies or geographically separate population.  
 
Specimen : Any animal or plant, dead or living , and any readily recognizable part or derivative 
thereof . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Import permits for all species listed in the A nnexes  to Ministry of Science, Technology and the 
Environment (CITMA) Resolution No. 160/2011 "Regulations for the control and protection of species 
of special significance for biological diversity in the country" . 
 
Import permits or certificates for species included in the three Appendices to CITES.  
 
The permits are granted to domestic or foreign  natural persons and legal persons.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Products subject to non -automatic import licensin g procedures for species of special significance 
are listed in A ppendix  1. 
 
Products subject to non -automatic import licensing procedures for endangered species of wild flora 
and fauna protected under CITES are listed in A ppendix  2. 
 
3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from all countries . 
 
4. In this case, licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity of imports; its purpose is to ensure 
that trade does not threaten  the survival of the  regulated  species . Its aim is to ensure that the  fauna 
and flora  are not subject to unsustainable exploitation through international trade . 
 
5.  
- Law No. 81/97 on the environment;  
- Resolu tion No. 87/97 "Regulations for the fulfilment of the commitments undertaken by  the 
Republic of Cuba under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora";  
- Resolution No. 160/2011 "Regulations for the control and protection of species of special 
significance for biological diversity in the country".  
 
Import licensing is mandatory; there is a list detailing all protected species of special significance 
and, for species  protected under CITES , the Appendices approved by the Conference of the Parties 
to the Convention (which are updated every two to three years ) are adopted under domestic 
legislation . The Appendices sometimes include entire  groups , such as primates or cetaceans, and 
subspecies or geog raphically isolated population s of a species. With respect to  plants, it is specified 
that parts or products of plants (seeds, timber, whole plants, oils, etc.) are subject to regulation.  
 
The granting of licences is statutorily required . The legislation d oes not leave the designation of 
products subject to licensing to administrative discretion and it is not possible for the Government 
to abolish the system without legislative approval . It is an internationally accepted system that 
requires both parties (i mporter and exporter) to comply  with an international instrument.  
 
Proced ures 
6. Not applicable . 
7.(a) For species of special significance, applications for an environmental licence must be submitted 
to the relevant authority at least 30 working days prior  to the date when the licence is intended 
to be used.  
 
For the species listed in Appendix I  of CITES, applications must also be submitted at least 
30 working days prior to importation.  
 
For the species listed in Appendix II  of CITES, the licence or certificate can be issued after 
importation, upon presentation of the export licence issued by the regulatory authority of the 
country of origin.  
 
For the species listed in Appendix III  of CITES, the import licence can be issued a fter 
importation, provided that the export licence of the country of origin is presented.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  The regulatory authority may establish simplified procedures for app lying for  and issuing  the 
relevant permits  for non-commercial  exchanges , loans and donations of herbarium specimens, 
other preserved, dried or embedded museum specimens, and live plant material  between 
scientific institutions or other institutions that have been authorized owing  to their activit ies. 
 
(b) Licences cannot be  grant ed immediately . 
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application may be made . 
 
(d) ORSA is the only institution in the country authorized to review and assess applications (with 
the assistance of experts from legally appointed competent sc ientific bodies). The importer 
does not have to approach any other administrative body. 
 
8. Applications for permits may be refused if the information therein is not approved. The applicant 
will be notified of this decision in writing.  
Applicants have the right to a ppeal a refusal  before the Director -General of ORSA within 10  working 
days of the date of notification of the decision.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and I mporters of the 
Chamber  of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba . 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Interested parties  must submit an original, signed application containing  the following 
information:  
 
− The particulars of the  applicant ; 
− The reason for the application ; 
− The particulars of the recipient , where appropriate ; 
− Scientific or common name , or both where appropriate , of the  animal o r plant; 
− Descrip tion of the part or derivative , where appropriate ; 
− Appraisal or certification proving the value of the specimen being traded ; 
− Identification number or marks , age and sex , where appropriate . 
− For living or preserved specimens : 
− Number of specimens ; 
− Proof that the specimen in question, as well as its parts or derivatives, were legally obtained ; 
− Place of origin, indicating whether it comes from the wild, has been reproduced in captivity or 
has been bred artificially ; 
− Date and place  of the activity , including the port or airport to be used ; 
− Guarantees and conditi ons of transport ; 
− Any other relevant information . 
 
A template application is included in A ppendix  3. 
 
11. Depending on the nature of the case, the following documents may also be required:  
 
− CITES permit issued by the country of origin/destination ; 
− Sworn de claration ; 
− Photos of the specimen ; 
− Copy of the commercial invoice . 
 
12. The fee for the import licence is laid down Resolution No. 58/2020 of the Director -General of 
ORSA   
 
13. No.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Conditions of licensing  
14. Authorization is valid for a period of six months . While the permit is valid , interested parties may 
request an extension for another six months  or, if it has already expired, they may apply for  a new 
licence.  
 
In all cases, the request for an extension or  a new licence must be duly substantiated with an 
explanation as to why the authorized activity did not take place within the prescribed period.  
 
15. Penalties are imposed only if importation takes place without biological safety authorization or 
after the licence expiry date  
 
16. Permits are not transferable . 
 
17. The issuing of a licence is subject to the conditions laid down in the legislation on biological 
safety.   
 
Other procedural requirements   
18. Not applicable . 
 
19. Not applicable . 
 
20. Office for Environmental Regulation and Safety (ORSA) . Director : Juan Bautista Sosa Marín. 
Email:  sosa@orasen.co.cu ; Tel: (+53) 72023281 and (+53) 72023255; http://www.orasen.cu . 
  
1.1.1.3    Ozone depleting substances  
Outline of systems  
1. A licence is required to import substances that have the potential to deplete the ozone layer 
(otherwise known as ozone -depleting substances or ODS), and products, equipment and 
technologies that use these substances. The p urpose of this requirement is to ensure that emissions 
and the use of these substances at national level are maintained at the levels and within the ranges 
that are authorized under international commitments . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Any subs tance listed in the Annexes to CITMA Resolution No. 127/2012.  
  
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world . 
 
4. Licensing is intended to restrict the quantity of imports through the use of a nationally established 
maximum quota for each substance, with a view to progressively reducing the substances in question 
until they are totally eliminated, in compliance with Cuba's obligations as a signatory to the Vienna 
Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protoco l on Substances that 
Deplete the Ozone Layer . 
 
5. Law No. 81 on the environment, Article 12(g) and (i); and CITMA Resolution No. 116/2005. Import 
licensing is mandatory. The legislation specifies the substances covered by this licensing system. 
The grantin g of licences is statutorily required. The legislation does not leave the designation of 
products subject to licensing to administrative discretion and it is not possible for the Government 
to abolish the system without legislative approval .  
 
Procedures  
6. In the fourth quarter of the year, ORSA, together with Cubaenergía, establishes and notifies all 
interested parties of the following year's annual maximum import quota for each controlled 
substance, in accordance with the national schedule fo r the elimination of these substances. This 
quota cannot be carried over from one year to the next .  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  The authorized importers of controlled substances are Empresa Cubana Importadora -Exportadora 
de Productos Químicos (QUIMIMPORT), Grupo Empresarial Comerci alizadora ITH and Empresa 
Importadora -Exportadora TECNOTEX . 
 
These importers submit their applications to ORSA twice a year, at the beginning of the first and the 
second half of the year, along with the requests from the central government agencies (OACE).  Once 
the import quota has been allocated, sales proceed in accordance with a distribution procedure based 
on needs and availability. This information is not published and is supplied only to the interested 
parties (ORSA and entities concerned), as explain ed above. The approved figure is the overall 
amount and is set regardless of the country of origin. The legislation does not provide for any 
exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement .  
 
I.  Quota size is determined on a yearly basis (calenda r year). Quotas cannot be carried over 
from one year to the next, and they remain in effect only for the period of validity of the 
import licence (until 31 December of the year in question). Import licences are valid for only 
one shipment. If the anticipat ed amount is too large for a single shipment, a new licence must 
be requested for the excess within the same calendar year . 
 
II.  Importing entities are required to keep a permanent inventory of imports of these substances 
and their destinations. In July a nd December each year, they must notify the Technical Ozone 
Office, by means of an official communication signed by their most senior executive, of all 
imports and sales of ozone -depleting substances, and products, equipment, and technologies 
containing su ch substances. Every three months, the Customs General of the Republic notifies 
promptly to ORSA the data relating to actual imports into Cuba of all regulated and controlled 
ozone -depleting substances, and products, equipment and technologies. The environ mental 
authority (CICA) is free to order a state environmental inspection to monitor compliance with 
the requirements set out in the licences granted .  
 
III.  Applications must be submitted in the year for which the quota is assigned, in any period of 
the year, 60 working days before the scheduled shipment date. Licences remain valid until 31 
December of the year in which they are granted . 
 
IV.  Import licences are granted within a maximum period of 30 working days .  
 
V.  Upon receiving the application, ORSA reviews the documentation supplied and determines 
within a period of five working days following receipt whether or not to issue the environmental 
licence. The period for issuing a licence concludes within 30 working da ys as from the date of 
acceptance of the application by ORSA. Within that period, ORSA informs the applicant in 
writing whether the licence has been awarded or refused . 
 
VI.  Applications are submitted to ORSA, which is based at the CITMA. It is not necess ary to 
approach any other administrative body . 
 
VII.  Applications are always submitted by the importer and must specify the entities the 
substances are for and the quantities of substance to be imported for each of those entities, 
in accordance with the a mounts allocated in advance by ORSA (HCFCs). The CNSQ  allocates 
these amounts on the basis of the requests that the entities have made, and the overall 
amount that the country can allow without affecting its international phase out commitments . 
 
VIII.  Applications are examined and, once approved in the same order, they are notified, thus 
ensuring that any importer to which a quota has been allocated can apply for the necessary 
licence . 
 
IX.  Not applicable.  
 
X.  Not applicable . 
 
XI.  Not applicable.   G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  7.(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case . 
 
(b) Licences cannot be extended. A new licence may be requested, within the same calendar year, 
if all of the anticipated amount is not imported . 
 
(c) There are no such limitations . 
 
(d) Environmental licences are granted solely by the ORSA . 
 
8. An application for an import licence may be refused if any of the requirements set forth in the 
legislation are not met; the applicant is notified in writing of the grounds for the refusal. No appeal 
lies from a refusal.   
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. The importation and exportation of the substances in question and products, equipment and 
techno logies that use these substances must be authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade by 
means of a resolution defining the substance type or group . 
 
Any legal person intending to import or export the substances in question must be registered in the 
Nationa l Register of Exporters and Importers of the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Form issued by the authority . 
 
11. The relevant licence must be presented to Customs . 
 
12. A fee of CUP 280 is charged for the issu ing of an import licence . There is no charge for the 
authorization for equipment and technologies that are free from ozone depleting substances.  
 
13. No t applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Licences are valid for the year in pro gress. They cannot be extended . 
 
15. No.  
 
16. They are not transferable . 
 
17. No other conditions are attached to the issuing of these licences . The licence holder must adhere 
to the licensing requirements . 
  
Other procedural requirements  
18. There are no other procedures . 
  
19. Not applicable . 
 
20. Office for Environmental Regulation and Safety (ORSA) . Director : Juan Bautista Sosa Marín. 
Email:  sosa@orasen.co.cu ; Tel: (+53) 72024601; http://www.orasen.cu . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  1.1.1.4  Chemical substances with differentiated control regime  
Outline of systems  
1. Such licences are granted only to properly established legal persons .  
Importation into Cuba of the substances listed in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the Chemical Weapons 
Convention (CWC) and those regulated by the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent 
Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, 1998, to which 
Cuba is party, is subject to an import licensing  system which ensures that these substances are used 
for purposes not prohibited by the CWC or the Rotterdam Convention. Such licences are granted 
only to properly established legal persons  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Parties that are interested in importing any of the substances listed in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of 
the CWC or those restricted under the Rotterdam Convention must apply for an import licence. 
Applications must indicate the following: chemical name of the sub stance, quantity, Schedule to 
which the substance belongs, name of director of the entity, owner, legal domicile, import licence 
number (as certified by the certificate of registration with the National Register of Exporters and 
Importers of the Chamber of  Commerce of the Republic of Cuba), commercial invoice, name and 
address of the exporter, country of origin and country of provenance .  
 
Licences are valid for only one import transaction . 
 
The import and industrial use of crocidolite (blue asbestos), poly chlorinated terphenyls (Resolution 
No. 96/2004), pentachlorophenol (Resolution No. 96/2004) and ethylene dichloride (Resolution No. 
96/2004) are prohibited. The industrial use in textile production of polybrominated biphenyls (only 
polybrominated) and tris  (2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (Res. 96/2004) is prohibited. The use of 
polybrominated biphenyls and tris (2,3 -dibromopropyl) phosphate for purposes other than textile 
production is subject to licensing (by ORSA, Resolution No. 96/2004). The industrial use  of ethylene 
oxide for sterilization purposes (Resolution No. 96/2004) in the national health system and 
procedures ensuring its operation is restricted. The import and domestic marketing of 
polychlorinated biphenyls (askarels) and electrical equipment con taining more than 50 ppm PCBs is 
prohibited (Resolution No. 96/2004), as is the importation of anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite and 
amosite (Resolution No. 96/2004) . 
 
Any natural or legal person, whether a Cuban national or a foreigner, that possesses in whatever 
quantity or form any of the pesticides that are prohibited under the first clause of this Resolution 
shall immediately notify the Director of the municipal hygiene and epidemiology centre or unit in the 
territory concerned, who shall send a state health inspector within a period of 24 hours from receipt 
of the notification to guarantee compliance with the current legislation governing pesticides. 
(Resolution No.268/1990) . 
 
3. All 192 States Parties to the CWC may market the controlled substances of Schedules  1 and 2 
(according to Article V, paragraph 1 of the Convention, "[e]ach State Party has the right, subject to 
the provisions of this Convention, to develop, produce, otherwise acquire, retain, transfer and use 
toxic chemicals and th eir precursors for purposes not prohibited under this Convention"). Any State 
Party and State not party to the CWC may market Schedule 3 substances, provided that the latter 
issues a certificate stating the final destination of the substances (according to  Article VI, 
Part VIII C). 
 
The purpose of the system is to ensure that Schedule 1, 2 and 3 substances, and products containing 
such substances in the percentages established, are imported only for purposes not prohibited under 
the CWC. The procedure limit s the quantity of Schedule 1 substances in the country at any given 
time, which cannot exceed one tonne, and ensures that transfers of Schedule 1 and 2 substances 
and the products containing them take place only between States Parties. With regard to Sched ule 3 
substances, if they are transferred to a State not party to the CWC, that State must issue a certificate 
stating their end use and confirming that they are to be used for non -prohibited purposes . 
 
4. The procedure is designed to limit the volume of i mports and reflects the country's determination 
to support all actions aimed at the non -proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and hence at 
destroying those in existence in any part of the world, in the light of the disastrous consequences of G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 12 - 
 
  the use  of CWC controlled substances for humankind and the future of our planet. As to the 
substances covered by the Rotterdam Convention, it is considered of the utmost importance, in view 
of the relevance of this instrument and the growing risks and hazards pos ed by increased production 
and trade in chemical substances, to prohibit the use of certain toxic chemicals and to expand the 
scope of the Convention to other products of this nature, thus preventing the introduction into Cuba 
of unwanted chemicals . 
 
5. Decree-Law No. 202 on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of 
Chemical Weapons and the Destruction Thereof of 24 December 1999 refers in Chapter III, entitled 
"Licences and Permits", to the general rules concerning the procedur e for the granting of licences 
and permits for activities involving the chemical substances listed in the CWC . 
 
Resolution No. 32/2005 implements the supplementary regulations to Decree -Law No. 202 entitled: 
"Regulations for the Implementation of the Natio nal System for the Control of the Chemical 
Substances Listed in the CWC, the Granting of Licences and Permits, and Information Processing", 
Chapter III of which, including the first and second sections thereof, is devoted to explaining the 
procedures for t he granting and refusal of licences, appeals, the responsibilities of the competent 
authority, and the time frames and deadlines for processing the licences and permits to be obtained 
by entities conducting activities involving the substances listed in the  CWC. 
 
Resolution No. 159/1995 and Resolution No. 96/2004 provide for the domestic implementation of 
activities relating to the Rotterdam Convention and prohibit or restrict the importation and industrial 
use of various chemicals . 
 
Under the above -mentione d legal instruments, licensing is compulsory for activities involving the 
use of substances listed therein . 
 
The controlled substances are listed in the Annexes to these instruments. The Council of State 
(the legislature) has made licensing a statutory req uirement and empowers the CITMA 
(the executive) to establish the terms and conditions for each system. The granting of licences is 
statutorily required. The legislation does not leave the designation of products subject to licensing 
to administrative discr etion and it is not possible for the Government to abolish the system without 
legislative approval.  
 
Proced ures 
6.I. This information is not published. The quantity allocated to the country is one tonne. Parties 
that are interested in importing any of the substances listed in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the 
CWC or those restricted under the Rotterdam Convention apply for an import licence from 
ORSA. Licences are valid for only one import transaction . 
  
II.  The legislation does not provide for quotas to ensure that the quantity of a CWC Schedule  1 
substance in the country does not exceed one tonne at any given time. This is i nstead 
controlled through licence applications for any activity involving these substances, including 
importation. In the event of a risk of the above quantity being exceeded, licence applications, 
whether or not relating to importation, are rejected in ac cordance with the established 
procedure. No activities have been conducted in the country using Schedule 1 substances . 
 
III.  Not applicable . 
 
IV.  The deadline for the submission of applications is 60 days prior to the start of the activity 
(importation/exportation) .  
 
This deadline does not apply to applications for the importation or exportation of saxitoxin in 
quantities of 5 mg or less. In these cases a licence may be requested up until the time of entry 
into or departure from the country , provided that the transfer is for medical or diagnostic 
purposes .  
 
V.  The processing period for applications is 30 days, though it is shorter for both imports and 
exports when ORSA receives the commercial invoice . 
 
VI.  Licences are issued for the date  of importation indicated on the commercial invoice . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 13 - 
 
  VII.  ORSA is the competent administrative body. In cases where another type of authorization is 
required for the importation, manufacture or other uses of chemical substances, the 
processing and grantin g of licences will be contingent upon the authorization issued by that 
body. 
 
VIII.  On a first -come, first -served basis . 
 
IX.  Not applicable . 
 
X.  Not applicable . 
 
XI.  Not applicable . 
 
7. There are no quantitative limits on the importation of CWC Schedule 2 and 3 substances and 
products containing such substances in the percentages set forth in the CWC, if they are used for 
non-prohibited purposes .  
 
(a) The specific technical authorization s to carry out import operations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the d ate of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case. In exceptional circumstances, the Director of ORSA may authorize the 
granting of a licence even when the application has not been submitted within the establi shed 
time frame .  
 
(b) Import licences cannot be granted immediately. They are issued for only one substance, one 
import transaction, and when the importer presents the commercial invoice .  
 
(c) No.  
 
(d) ORSA is the competent administrative body. In cases  where another type of authorization is 
required for the importation, manufacture or other uses of chemical substances, the 
processing and granting of licences will be contingent upon the authorization issued by that 
body. 
 
8. Licence applications may be r efused on the grounds of failure to meet the above criteria or other 
criteria set forth in current legislation. The reasons for refusal are set forth in a licence refusal letter, 
in accordance with the "Procedure for Processing Applications for ORSA Author ization".  
 
Applicants have the right to appeal to the Director of ORSA within 30 working days of the date on 
which they receive the communication notifying them of the refusal . 
Should the appeal be turned down by the Director of ORSA, an application for a Special Review 
Procedure may be made within 180 days of that decision to the Minister of Science, Technology and 
the Environment if there is evidence of a blatant flaw in the taking of the decision or if there is 
information that the authority that refused  authorization did not have or was not aware of at the 
time. A ruling must be issued within 30 working days of the receipt of the review application . 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. The importation and exportation of the substances in ques tion must be authorized by the Ministry 
of Foreign Trade by means of a resolution defining the substance type or group.  Any legal person 
intending to import or export  must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers 
of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba .  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 14 - 
 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. An application form for authorization to import chemical su bstances listed in the CWC. The 
importer must submit the following documents with the application : 
− Photocopies of the decision appointing the director of the entity and the entity's charter;  
− Photocopy of the certificate of registration with the National Re gister of Exporters and 
Importers of the Chamber of Commerce;  
− Photocopy of the commercial invoice . 
 
11. Other documents required by the Customs General of the Republic include the importer's licence 
to import chemical substances listed in the CWC . 
 
12. Each import licence costs CUP 3,320.  
 
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import licences are valid for o nly one import or export transaction. They cannot be extended . 
 
15. Yes. Entities which conduct activities involving CWC substances without the relevant 
authorization are committing an administrative offence sanctioned by Agreement No. 5517, adopted 
by the  Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers on 26 August 2005, without prejudice to any 
civil and criminal liability incurred . 
 
16. Import licences are not transferable between importers . 
 
17. No conditions are attached to the issue of a licence other  than the requirements set forth in 
current legislation . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other procedures are required prior to importation .  
 
19. Not applicable . 
 
20. Office for Environmental Regulation and Safety (ORSA) . Director : Juan Bautista Sosa Marín. 
Email:  sosa@orasen.co.cu ; Tel: (+53) 72024601; http://www.orasen.cu . 
 
1.1.2   Directorate of Nuclear Safety (DSN)  
1.1.2.1 Ionizing radiation sources , nuclear materials and  significant components.  
Outline of systems  
1. Authorization is required to import ionizing radiation sources (radioactive sources and ionizing 
radiation generating equipment). This provides a means of controlling the sources entering the 
country and ensuring that the use to which they will be put is proper and safe. Authorization is also 
required to import nuclear materials and significant components so as to verify that they are being 
imported for peaceful and authorized purposes, in accordance with the safeguards reg ime for such 
materials . 
 
Licences are granted to domestic or foreign  legal persons based or represented in the Republic of 
Cuba. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 15 - 
 
  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The following products are subject to non -automatic import licensing procedures:  
  
− Ionizing radiation source: Anything that produces ionizing radiation and might cause exposure 
to such radiation  (radioactive sources and ionizing radiation generating equipment ); 
− Nuclear material: Uranium containing the mixture of isotopes occurring in nat ure; uranium 
depleted in the isotope 235; thorium; any of the foregoing in the form of metal, alloy, chemical 
compound, or concentrate. Plutonium 239; uranium 233; uranium enriched in the isotopes 
235 or 233; and any material containing one or more of the foregoing ; 
− Significant components: Equipment or components for nuclear installations or those of the 
type used in such installations, specially designed or developed for the treatment, utilization 
or production of nuclear material . 
 
3. This procedure appli es to goods from any country in the world . 
  
4. In this case, licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity of imports; its purpose is to assess 
the radioactive sources or ionizing radiation emitting equipment which enter the country in terms of 
radioactivity related risks, bearing in mind that justification for the import of these goods hinges on 
the use to be made of them in Cuba and the safety requirements to be met during use. With regard 
to nuclear material or significant components, transfer auth orization is required in order to control 
the nuclear material imported into the country, both quantitatively and qualitatively, ensuring that 
it is destined for peaceful use, and preventing any unauthorized use, waste or movement, in 
accordance with the s afeguards agreements concluded between the Republic of Cuba and the IAEA . 
 
These procedures are in conformity with the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of 
Radioactive Sources and supplementary Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sour ces, 
of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and with the nuclear non -proliferation 
commitments under the treaties on non -proliferation and prohibition of nuclear weapons in Latin 
America and the Caribbean.  
 
5. Decree -Law No. 207 of 14 February 2 000 on the use of nuclear energy . 
 
− CITMA  Resolution No. 334 of 29 December 2011 "Regulations governing the Notification and 
Authorization of Practices and Activities associated with the Use of Ionizing Radiation Sources".  
− CITMA Resolution No. 62/96 of 12 July 1996 "Regulations governing the Acco unting and 
Control of Nuclear Materials" . 
 
Import licensing is mandatory. The legislation specifies the products that are subject to licensing in 
each case.   
 
The granting of licences is statutorily required. The legislation does not leave the designation of 
products subject to licensing to administrative discretion and it is not possible for the Government 
to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable . 
 
7.(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import oper ations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goo ds), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case. Under current legislation, an import licence must be obtained from ORSA 
prior to the introduction of ionizing radiation sources into the country. It is provided that ORSA 
must respond to a licence application within 30 working days of its receipt . For the transfer of 
nuclear material or significant components, applications must be submitted 90 days before 
the scheduled date of importation.  
 
(b) Given that an assessment is required, a li cence can never be granted immediately . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 16 - 
 
  (c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application for a licence 
may be made .  
 
(d) ORSA is the sole body responsible for considering licence applications . 
 
8. Under Article 20 of CITMA Resolution No. 334/2011, an application for a licence to import ionizing 
radiation sources may be re fused  on the following grounds : 
 
− The documents provided by the applicant are incomplete or have not been prepared in 
accordance with the requirements of CITMA Resolution No. 334/2011;  
− The application has not been signed by the entity's legal representative;  
− The documents and information ar e confusing, incomplete or contradictory;  
− The activity for which authorization is requested is not justified for the purposes of radiological 
protection;  
− The applicant does not meet the regulatory and safety requirements for conducting the 
activity . 
 
Autho rization to transfer nuclear material or significant components is not granted unless the 
requesting entity is authorized to use such material or components .  
 
The CNSN  notifies the requesting entity in writing of the r efusal  of the application for a licence to 
import ionizing radiation sources and attaches the report setting out the grounds for the decision .  
 
Applicants have the right to appeal a refusal before the Director-General of CITMA's Office for 
Environmental Regulation and Nuclear Safety within 10 working days of the date of notification of 
the decision.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers of the Chamber 
of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.  
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications for licences to import ionizing radiation sources must be submitted by the legal 
representative of the interested entity, using the form contained in Annex 2 to CITMA Resolution No. 
334/2011. The application form must be signed by the legal representative, stamped by the entity, 
and include information such as the name and address of the requesting e ntity, the name and 
surname of the entity's legal representative, and the type of authorization requested.  
 
− Legal document certifying that the entity is authorized to import;  
− Tariff heading(s);  
− Details of the sources to be imported, pursuant to Annex 7 to CITMA Resolution 
No. 334/2011, which specifies the information to be submitted, such as the name of the 
radioactive source and whether or not it is sealed, or in the case of ionizing radiation 
generating equipment, details that include the following: source activity and category, 
radionuclide activity, source serial number, equipment model, use and voltage, and type of 
radiation emitted;  
− Entity for which the imported source is destined, including:  name, legal domicile, fax 
number, e -mail address, and consent to receive the source;  
− Expected date of arrival in national territory;  
− Entity responsible for transportation of the source to the receiving entity (except for 
radiation generating equipment);  
− Air or maritime terminal at which the source is expected to arrive;  
− In the case of sealed sources, certification of leak tightness testing in accordance with 
ISO 9978 or another internationally recognized standard;  
− Certification of special form radioactive  material under current regulations on the transport 
of radioactive material;  
− In the case of ionizing radiation emitting equipment, detailed information on the equipment's 
safety characteristics, provided by the manufacturer, and certification from the reg ulatory 
authority in the country of origin concerning the approval of the design;  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 17 - 
 
  − Production certificate for sealed sources;  
− Certification of ISO 2919 classification of the source;  
− Package design approval certificate for the transportation of Type B packag es in accordance 
with the regulations in force on the transport of radioactive material.  
 
Applications to transfer nuclear material or significant components must be submitted using the 
forms contained in Annexes 2 and 4 to CITMA Resolution No. 62/1996, as  appropriate.  
 
11. For nuclear materials o r significant  components:  
 
− Nuclear Material Transfer Notification ; 
− Significant Components Transfer Notification . 
 
12. A fee of CUP 4,110 is charged for the issu ing of an import licence, as laid down in Resolu tion 
No. 58/2020 of the Director -General of ORSA . A fee of  CUP 30,312 is charged to foreign  legal 
persons .  
 
There is no charge for the authorization to transfer nuclear materials or significant components.  
 
13. There is no deposit or advance payment requirement . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of an import licence is specified by the CNSN on a case -by-case basis 
according to the prevailing circumstances. When an import licence  expires, a new one must be 
requested, which will have a new period of validity.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. Import licences are not transferable.  
 
17. No other conditions are attached to t he issu ing of these licences. The licence holder must adhere 
to the licensing requirements.  
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Directorate of Nuclear Safety , ORSA. Director : Rosbell Bosch Robaina. 
Email:  direccioncnsn@orasen.co.cu ; rbosch@orasen.co.cu ; Tel: (+53) 72023166; 
http://www.orasen.cu . 
 
1.2  National Bureau of Standards (ONN)  
1.2.1   Measuring instruments  
Outline of systems  
1. Technical authorization is granted by the ONN's  Directorate of Metrology, in its capacity as the 
national regulatory authority, following verification that the goods being imported comply with the 
mandatory technical requirements.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Measuring instruments and equipmen t that require technical authorization to be imported because 
they are subject to evaluation and approval under General Provision No. 01 "Measuring instruments 
subject to legal metrological control according to  the fields of application in which they will be used", 
implemented by Resolution No. 95/2020 of the Director -General of  the National Bureau of Standards 
(the national regulatory authority).  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 18 - 
 
  3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the  quantity or value of imports.  
 
5. Decree -Law No. 8/2020 on standardization, metrology, quality and accreditation of 16 April 2020 
and Decree No. 16/2020 on regulations on standardization, metrology, quality and accreditation of 
31 August 2020 . The grantin g of licences is statutorily required. The legislation does not leave the 
designation of products subject to licensing to administrative discretion and it is not possible for the 
Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.   
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always b e obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case . 
(b) No, because the documents provided have to be examined by specialists.  
 
(c) There  are no limitations as to when applications may be made.  
 
(d) Consideration of applications is effected by a single body, the ONN.  
 
8. Applicants are informed of the criteria for the approval or refusal of a licence. They have the right 
to file a written c omplaint, with attached supporting documentation, in respect of any breach of 
terms of the contract established with the ONN or the consequences thereof, within 30 calendar days 
of the breach. The ONN must examine the complaint and respond within 10 days o f receipt .  
 
A complaint -response extension of up to 10 working days may be granted .  
 
The Parties are bound to settle any dispute regarding the interpretation, implementation, 
amendment or cancellation of the established contract amicably and in good faith. If no agreement 
is reached, the dispute must be referred to the Economic Division of the competent People's 
Provincial Court, as stipulated in Decree -Law No. 241 of 26 September 2006 . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers of the Chamber 
of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Companies importing and exporting measuring instruments and equip ment subject to pattern 
evaluation and approval must apply to the ONN's Directorate of Metrology for a pattern approval 
certificate, as established in the "Procedure for the pattern evaluation and approval of measuring 
instruments"  (PDIM No. 02) . This is a requirement for obtaining the  technical authorization that 
must be presented to the Customs General of the Republic (AGR) to secure the release of the goods. 
The ONN, through its accredited inspection bodies, can check compliance with the established 
pattern evaluation and approval requirements.  
 
Applications for technical authorization must be accompanied by the following documents :  
 
- Registration certificate issued by the competent national authority for products subject to this 
requirement;  
- Certificates of tests carried out on the product in accordance with the corresponding standard;  
- Management system certificate, if obtained;  
- European Conformity (Conformité Européenne, CE) mark certificate, if obtained;  
- China Compulsory Certification (CCC) m ark certificate for products from China;  
- Certificate of product conformity issued by a certification body;  
- Any other document demonstrating compliance with international or regional standards.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 19 - 
 
  If need be, agreement must be reached as to any additional documents or information that must be 
submitted for analysis and subsequent approval or rejection.  
 
The Directorate of Metrology  reserves the right to make acceptance of the application conditional 
upon submission by the applicant of all the technical information required for evaluation.  
 
11. The technical authorization, which must be presented to the AGR to secure the release of the 
goods.  
 
12. Applicants must pay 100% of the total value of the service by cheque or bank transfer once the 
corresponding pre -invoices, established in line with the current regulations and rates, have been 
issued.  
13. No.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The validity period is 60 days and it may be extended by following the same procedure as for 
the initial application.  
  
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.  
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. No . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. National Bureau of Standards . Director : Nancy Fernández Rodríguez. 
Email:  nancy@ncnorma.cu ; arruza@ncnorma.cu ; Tel: (+53) 7830 0825 /0835/0803; 
http://www.ncnorma.cu .  
 
2  MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (MINAG)  
2.1  Directorate of Plant Health (DSV)  
Outline of systems  
1. Licences are required to import the materials subject to quarantine listed in Decree -Law No.  153 
(regulated items).  
 
Licences are granted to companies, unions and other State organizations, State bodies and agencies, 
budgeted entities, joint ventures, and commercial corporations legally established in national 
territory, and to national or foreign natural or legal persons expressly authorized by law to engage 
in international trade in goods and registered in the National Register of Exporters and Importers of 
the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba. This procedure is in conformity with the International Plant 
Protection Convention  (IPPC) under the FAO.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Import licences are granted for materials subject to quarantine (regulated i tems) that do not 
represent a danger to Cuban agriculture, in particular those intended for sowing, and fresh fruits 
and vegetables originating in areas free of fruit flies. This includes materials relating to those 
materials subject to quarantine (regulat ed items), for any use.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods subject to quarantine (regulated items) from any country in the 
world . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 20 - 
 
  4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity of imports, rather to prevent the introduction of 
pests.  
 
5. Decree -Law No.  153, Articles 3(2), 18(a), 25 and 30; and Ministry of Agriculture Resolution 
No. 435 of 1994. Phytosanitary import licensing is mandatory and the legislation establishes which 
products are subject to these procedures. Parliamentary approv al would be required to abolish the 
current system.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Article 8 of Resolution No. 435/94 provides that import licences must be requested 60 days 
prior to shipment of the goods from their country of origin. The approval o r rejection of the 
application is notified within 30 days of the date on which it was submitted, although this 
period may vary under certain circumstances. If goods arrive in the country without a permit 
or a licence, Decree No. 169/1992 on infringements w ill be applied . 
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) Applications for licences may be made during any period of the year. The period during which 
importation is authorized, however, is specified on the licence granted.  
 
(d) Pursuant to Decree -Law No. 190/99 on biological safety for exotic plants, the interested party 
must first present the licence granted by the National Centre for Biological Safety (CSB), the 
Centre for Environmental Management and Inspection, or the Institute of Ecology and 
Systematics, to the National Centre f or Plant Health (CNSV).   
 
8. Licence applications may be refused if a pest risk analysis shows that the product to be imported 
represents a danger to the country. The interested party is notified of this and informed of the 
technical considerations relating to the refusal. No appeal lies from a refusal.  
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers of the Chamber 
of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.  
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The importer must complete the application form included in  Annex III.2 
 
11. The importer or its representative must be in possession of an import licence and the certificates 
specified therein.  
 
12. All licences granted must be paid for. The fee is determined beforehand in the services contract 
between the importer and the CNSV in accordance with the rate established in Ministry  of Agriculture 
Resolution No.  2669/2 005.  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issuing of licences.  
Conditions of licensing  
14. A licence is valid for up to one year. Validity may be extended by following the same procedure 
as for the previous application. It  speeds formalities up to provide the number of the previous 
phytosanitary licence.  
 
15. There are no penalties.  
 
16. No, licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
2 A sample form is available for consultation in the Secretariat (Market Access Division) (in Spanish 
only). G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 21 - 
 
  17. Not applicable.  
 
18. Other procedural requirements  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Direc torate of Plant Health , MINAG. Director : Gilberto Hilario Díaz López. 
Email:  director@sv.minag.gob.cu ; exterior@sv.minag.gob.cu ; Tel: ( +53)7879 -4805/7878 -4976; 
https://www.minag.gob.cu .  
 
2.2  Department of Soils and Fertilizers (DSF)  
Outline of systems  
1. Registration and a licence are required to import fertilizers to ensure that the use of these 
substances at national level is maintained at the levels and within the ranges that are authorized.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The following products are subject to mandatory registration with the Central Registration 
Authority for Fertilizers in o rder to enter and be used in Cuba:  
− Chemical and/or mineral fertilizers;  
− Organo -mineral fertilizers;  
− Biological fertilizers;  
− Organic fertilizers;  
− Soil amendments;  
− Stimulants.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity and/or value of imports; rather, its purpose is to 
ensure control of the use in Cuba of substances that may be hazardous to life or have a pollutant effect 
on the environment.  
 
5.  
− Decree No. 179/1993 "Protection, Use and Conservation of Soils and Infringements thereof", 
which lays down the parameters and obligations governing the use and conservation of Cuban 
soil; Ministry of Justice Resolution No. 7/2001 authorizing the establishment of the Central 
Registration Authority for Fertilizers; and Ministry of Agriculture Resolution No.  369/2019 
implementing the Central Registration Authority for Fertilizers, which sets out the documents 
to be submitted with an application for registration, the stat utory procedures to be followed 
and the assessments to be conducted by the Committee of Experts.   
− Registration is statutorily required under the legislative instruments referred to above . 
− The legislation that forms the legal framework for the control syste m provides that all products 
referred to in point 2 of this questionnaire are subject to licensing . 
− Since the legal basis is Decree No. 179/1993 "Protection, Use and Conservation of Soil and 
Infringements thereof", legislative approval must be obtained for  its abolition . 
 
Proced ures 
6. Not applicable as there are no restrictions as to quantity or value . 
 
7.(a) There are no minimum or maximum time  limits ; the time taken to process an application for 
a fertilizer before registration in the Central Register varies depending on how complex the 
fertilizer in question is. The potential dangers that a fertilizer poses to life and the environment 
are assessed by field tests and trials . 
 
(b)  No, the process must run its full course before registration is possible.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 22 - 
 
  (d)  The importer only has to approach the Central Registration Authority for Fertilizers.  
 
8. There are no circumstances other than those described above under which a licence application 
may be refused. The applicant is always informed of the reasons for any refusal. No appeal is possible 
because the decision is the opinion of a committee of experts composed of trained specialists 
representing a range of bodies.   
 
Eligibility o f importers to apply for licence  
9. Entities and institutions are eligible to apply subject to presentation of accreditation in Cuba by 
the appropriate bodies; natural persons are eligible to apply subject to presentation of a power 
confirming their accred itation by the entity they represent.  
 
There is no restrictive licensing register for registration applications.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications must contain the following information:  
 
− Powers confirming the credentials of the person applying for registration;  
− An official application form (the original and one copy);  
− Technical information about the commercial product;  
− Draft labelling;  
− List of countries where the product is authorized indicating the registration number and 
recommended uses;  
− Product patent, where appropriate;  
− A sample of the product commensurate with the quantities required for the tests and trials 
that will be conducted.  
 
11. Documents attesting to approval and registration with t he Central Registration Authority for 
Fertilizers.  
 
12. There is no set fee or charge. The amount charged depends on product type and the analyses 
and tests conducted on it in light of its features. The amount charged is based on the official price 
list dr awn up for such activities.  
 
13. The issue of a licence is subject to payment of the analyses and tests conducted. The amount 
charged is not refundable and is based on the criteria referred to in point 12 above.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Licences do not expire provided that the composition and formulation of the fertilizer remain the 
same as when the licence application was made.  
 
15. The penalties are those provided for in Decree No. 179/1993 "Protection, Use and Conservation 
of the Soil and Contraventions Thereof".  
 
16. They are not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.   
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. As far as Cuba is concerned, those laid down in relation to registration with the 
Central  Registration Authority for Fertilizers.  
 
19. Not  applicable.  
 
20. Depart ment of Soil and Fertiliz ers, MINAG. Email: proyectosuelos@oc.minag.gob.cu ; 
Tel: (+53)7884 7642; https://www.minag.gob.cu . 
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  2.3  Directorate of Animal Health  (DSA)  
Outline of systems  
1. Sanitary -veterinary regulations governing the importation of animals, animal products, biological 
products and materials of any origin which are liable to harm animal healt h and which arrive in 
national territory by sea or by air.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The purposes of licensing are protection of national territory from the introduction of exotic 
diseases; prevention and control of animal diseases, including zoonoses; epizootiological monitoring; 
veterinary drug registration; and sanitary/hygienic control of food of animal origin intended for 
human consumption or animal feed. The established regulations cover imports of the following:  
 
− Live domestic and wild animals of protected species;  
− Products of animal origin for consumption or for industrial, decorative, experimental or 
research purposes;  
− Microbial and parasitic agents that affect animal health;  
− Vaccines, strains and other similar products used in veterinary medicine;  
− Culture and diagnostic media with components of animal origin; and  
− Elements, products and packaging of any origin capable of transmitting or carrying animal 
diseases.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. There is no restriction as to the value or quantity of imports; licensing is solely for sanitary 
purposes.  
 
5. Law No. 1224, Decree -Law No. 137 and Resolution No. 121 of 1993 of the Ministry of Agriculture 
(MINAG). Licensing is mandatory.  
 
Procedures  
6. There is no restriction as to the value or quantity of imports . 
 
7.(a) Prior to signing the contract with the supplier . 
 
(b)  A licence cannot be granted immediately given that the established procedure must be 
followed.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year.  
 
(d)  Consideration of applications is effected solely by the Directorate of Animal Health.  
 
8. Without prejudice to whether or not an infringement of the provisions on veterinary medicine has 
been established, preventive, counter -epizootic, therapeutic and any other measures required may 
be imposed in respect of ships, aircraft and land transport vehicles of any class deemed to contain 
organisms, micro -organisms or other animal -disease -carrying or a nimal -disease -causing agents.  
 
Where required, the preventive detention for further examination of animals, products of animal 
origin, means of transport and equipment may also be ordered.  
 
The State inspection and sanitary control of food and products of animal origin for human 
consumption is conducted in the facilities where they are processed or stored or in their means of 
transport by the Ministry of Agriculture in conjunction with, and under the direction of, the Ministry 
of Public Health.  
 
The Ministr y of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, will establish the regulations 
governing the compensation, where applicable, due to owners in the event of sanitary slaughter 
under the infectious and contagious disease control programme.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Biological and pharmaceutical preparations produced in Cuba for farming and veterinary activities 
or for foreign trade are subject to the corresponding controls, in accordance with the standards 
established by the Ministry of Agriculture. Imported biological and pharmaceutical preparations are 
subject to controls prior to their use in national territory, in accordance with the quality certification 
provided by the manufacturer.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Entities and institutions are eli gible to apply subject to presentation of accreditation in Cuba by 
the appropriate bodies; natural persons are eligible to apply subject to presentation of a power 
confirming their accreditation by the entity they represent.  
 
Documentational and other requ irements for application for licence  
10. All applications for authorization to import animals must be accompanied by the certification 
issued by the competent authorities of the exporting country, authenticated and certified by the 
Cuban consular authority , where appropriate.  
 
Applications are granted or refused on the basis of a health risk analysis.  
 
11. The import licence issued by the DSA is required.  
 
12. Yes; the amount charged depends on the type of product.  
 
13. There is no deposit requirement assoc iated with the issue of licences.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Licences are valid for one year; their validity may be extended.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence.  
 
16. They are not transferable.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Before filing an application for an import licence, importers are required to apply to the 
competent authority for an inspection and sanitary certification visit of the establishments wishing 
to export to Cuba. (MINAG, Directora te of Animal Health) and for registration of the products in 
question (MINSAP, INHEM Food Register).  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Direc torate of Animal Health , MINAG. Director : Yobani Gutiérrez  Ravelo. 
Email:  director@dsa.minag.gob.cu ; Tel: ( +53)7833 7330; 7830 6615; https://www.minag.gob.cu . 
 
3  MINISTRY OF THE ARMED FORCES  
3.1  National Office of Hydrography and Geodesy (ONHG ) 
Outline of systems  
1. Licences for the importation and extraction of satellite global positioning systems (GPS).  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Satellite global positioning systems (GPS) used for geodesic and hydrographic purposes and other 
similar ac tivities.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. Licensing does not restrict either the quantity or the value of imports. Its purposes are described 
in the fourth and fifth paragraphs of Decree No.  269 of 9 March 2000 on sp ace radio communications 
services.  
 
5. Decree No. 269, mentioned above, and Resolution No. 90 of the Minister of the Revolutionary 
Armed Forces (MINFAR ) of 13 February 2001 implementing Decree No. 269. Licensing is mandatory, 
except for natural persons who import the products for personal use, e.g. clocks and watches, 
pagers, and outdoor orientation devices, in which case the goods must be declared at cu stoms upon 
arrival in the country. Licences are required for high -precision equipment imported for use in 
geodesic and hydrographic activities requiring the determination of precise coordinates. Changes 
cannot be made to the current system without parliame ntary approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. Imports of GPS equipment are not subject to any restrictions in terms of quantity 
or value.  
 
7. When the equipment is not used in activities to determine high -precision coordinates . 
 
(a) Three months before import ation. In cases where imports have been effected and have arrived 
in port owing to inadvertency, the matter is examined on a case -by-case basis, every effort 
being made to ensure that the economic implications for the importer are  kept to a minimum . 
 
(b)  Yes, wherever possible. In cases where it is known in advance that the licence will not be used 
within the set time, it is recommended that a request for its renewal be made to the  ONHG.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations of this sor t. 
 
(d)  Licence applications are processed solely by the ONHG, which, if necessary, consults the 
MININT, the MINFAR and other central government agencies (OACE) before issuing or refusing 
the import licence.  
 
8. Licence applications may be refused if the GPS equipment involved is to be used to measure 
coordinates in areas for which the recipients of the equipment do not have authorization. Applications 
may also be refused if they have been submitted by an importer whose corporate purpose does not 
justify t he use of GPS technology. In all cases, applicants are notified of the reasons for the refusal. 
Decree No.  269 and Resolution No.  90 do not provide for a right of appeal  against refusals .  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Legal persons are eligible to apply for an import licence. In the case of natural persons, the 
justification given for importing the technology is analysed on a case -by-case basis.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications must be addressed to the Director of the ONHG and must contain the following 
information:  
 
− Date; 
− Name of requesting entity;  
− Body to which it belongs;  
− Address of requesting entity;  
− Resolution establishing the requesting entity;  
− Corporate pu rpose of the requesting entity;  
− Person responsible for importation (natural person accountable to the entity requesting the 
licence);  
− Geographical area in which the equipment will be used;  
− Technical tactical data concerning the equipment (including photos,  wherever possible);  
− Importing entity;  
− Applicant details (name, surname and position) and signature.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  11. The import licence, signed by the Director of the ONHG.  
 
12. Import licences are free of charge.  
 
13. No deposit or advance payment requirement is associated with the issue of licences.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Licences are valid for 90 calendar days and may be extended by submitting a new application to 
the ONHG explaining the reasons why the importation did not take place in the period approved 
under the first licence issued.  
 
15. There is no penalty for non -utilization.  
 
16. They are not transferable.  
 
17. There are no other conditions.  
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. National Office of Hydrography and Geodesy . Director : Jorge Martín Ruiz. 
Email:  martin@unicom.co.cu ; Tel:  (+53) 7212 -2319; 7212 -0926.  
 
4  MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR (MININT)  
4.1  Protection Directorate  
Outline of systems  
1. Import licences are required to show that the security devices used to ensure the safety and 
protection of goods and people have been examined by means of appropriate procedures  and that 
their quality meets the requirements of both the manufacturer and the body that regulates their  use. 
Licences are granted to properly established national  legal persons.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Analogue and digital closed -circuit t elevision (CCTV), cameras, lenses, sequencers, movement 
controllers, quads, multiplexers, matrices, video and audio signal transmitting equipment, 
accessories, components and parts, and image processing and management software.  
 
Access control systems (AC S) of the following types: magnetic card, proximity, code, voice 
recognition, hand geometry, fingerprint, and retina scanner; accessories, components and parts, 
and information processing and management software.  
 
Intruder alarm systems. Central alarm units; intruder detectors of the following types: magnetic 
contact, electrical contact, capacitive, radio frequency, infra -red, passive infra -red, ultrasonic, 
pressure, vibration, seismic, temperature, and laser. Acoustic and visual signalling appara tus. 
 
Alarm receiving centres and remote security system management platforms. Mechanical push button 
security locks. Mechanical security locks. Electronic security locks. Time control locks. High security 
padlocks. Time locks. Reinforced doors. Reinforced  vault doors. Fireproof vault doors. Emergency 
vault doors. Explosion resistant doors. Fire doors. Reinforced windows and glass. Bullet proof steel 
armour plating. Day and night deposit boxes. ATMs. Panel reinforced rooms or vaults. Data storage 
safes. Sec urity doors. Value transfers. Counter safes and anti -theft boxes. Gun racks. Safety deposit 
boxes for bank vaults. Code reading key copying machines. Master key systems including codifiers 
and decodifiers with software programme. Skeleton keys. High -securi ty safes, European Standard 
grades 1, 2, 3 and 4. High -security safes, grades TL15, TL30, TL15X6, TL30X6, TRTL15X6, TRTL30X6 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  and TXTL60. High -security coded locks and keys. Mechanical combination locks, groups 1, 1R and  2, 
for use with safes and vault door s. Electronic combination locks. Electromechanical locks and keys. 
Electronically controlled code operated safes. Encoded electro mechanic transponder systems for 
motor vehicle security. Non -copiable security cylinders.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity of imports; its purpose is to prevent the entry of 
security technologies of dubious quality which do not meet the requirements for their use and which 
are incompatible wi th the systems used in the country.  
 
5. Decree -Law No. 186/98 on the Security and Physical Protection System, Chapter II, Section  1, 
concerning the competent authority, Article 3(e), (g), (h) and (j); Resolution No. 2/2001 - 
Regulations to Decree -Law No. 186/98, Articles 124, 125, 126, 127 and 128. The granting of licences 
is statutorily required. Parliamentary approval would be required to abolish the current system.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) There is no requirement as to how far in advance of the activity a licence must be requested, 
but the Protection Directorate has 15 working days from the receipt of the application within 
which to issue its decision. Under exceptional circumstances, the pe riod for examining the 
application may be shortened at the Directorate's discretion.  
 
(b)  A licence cannot be granted immediately on request.  
 
(c)  There are no such limitations.  
 
(d)  Consideration of licences is effected only by the Protection Directora te of the Ministry of the 
Interior (MININT).  
 
8. An application for an import licence may be refused in the event of infringement of Article  124 of 
Resolution No.  2/2001. The applicant is notified of the reasons for the refusal. Applicants have no 
right of appeal to the Protection Directorate of the MININT. Licences for non -approved technologies 
can be issued only when the import is to be used as a sample for the type approval  process.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers of the 
Chamber  of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.  
 
Documentational and other re quirements for application for licence  
10. The information required in applications is that specified in Article 128 of Resolution No.  2/2001:  
 
a) Importer details;  
b) Security devices to be imported;  
c) Make and model;  
d) Supplier;  
e) Import destination.  
 
11. Import licence.  
 
12. There is no fee or charge.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of a licence is not determined.  
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  15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence.  
 
16. Import licences are not transferable between importers.  
 
17. The product must be approved by the accredited national entity (ACERPROT) on the basis of 
compliance with the technical and environmental standards in force in the country.   
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other a dministrative procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Protection Directorate , MININT . Director : Ariel Martos Rodríguez. Email:  dprot@mn.mn.co.cu ; 
Tel: ( +53) 76487247.  
 
4.2  Fire Protection Agenc y 
Outline of systems  
1. The Fire Protection Agency (APCI) was created pursuant to Resolution No.  5 of August  2003 of 
the Minister of the Interior with exclusive responsibility to conduct the certification and 
homologation, in accordanc e with the relevant technical requirements, of fire protection equipment 
manufactured in, imported into and/or marketed in Cuba. The APCI is responsible for organizing and 
implementing, as appropriate, all activities relating to the evaluation of equipment  of this type 
intended for distribution for use in Cuba. The agency's services activity is rooted in its corporate 
purpose, as updated in Resolution No. 244 of March 2014 of the Ministry of the Economy and 
Planning.  
 
This procedure seeks to ascertain that fire protection equipment complies with the technical 
requirements set forth in the national and international rules in force. To our knowledge, no other 
country has an import licensing system with this objective, with all the flexibility that such a proce ss 
requires.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The homologation of fire safety products encompasses all of the theoretical and practical 
evaluation activities that enable compliance with the fire protection requirements laid down in 
national and international technical standards to be determined and/or the recognition, on the basis 
of an evaluation of documentation and/or practical testing, of the certification and/or test report 
issued by a recognized body.  
 
Products are categorized by specialize d function.  
 
Categories:  
 
A. Electrical equipment.  
B. Ventilation equipment, heating equipment, flammable liquids and combustible gases.  
C. Fire alarm systems and similar products.  
D. Fire protection equipment.  
E. Fire barriers.  
F. Construction materials.  
G. Fire resistance.  
 
An applicant who presents a product that corresponds to one that has already been homologated by 
the APCI (same producer, brand and characteristics, but a different supplier if the applicant is not 
the manufacturer) must sti ll demonstrate, by means of documentation, samples, etc., that it is 
indeed the exact same product. An official certificate will then be issued and the new product 
recognized and included in the list of homologated and approved products. The period of vali dity will 
correspond to that of a new product.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Where the product presented has the same trademark as a product that has already been 
homologated but was produced in another country, it will be subject to the homologation and 
approval process in accordance  with the corresponding specific characteristics.  
 
List of products subject to homologation and approval and requiring assessment in accordance with 
their category classification : 
 
Fire resistance  
− Floor-ceiling designs - Concrete with cellular steel floor units (S -Deck) . 
− Floor-ceiling designs - Concrete with steel floor units.  
− Floor-ceiling designs - Concrete and steel joists.  
− Floor-ceiling designs - Reinforced concrete.  
− Floor-ceiling designs - Wood joist assemblies.  
− Beam designs for floor-ceiling assemblies.  
− Roof-ceiling designs.  
− Beam designs for roof -ceiling assemblies.  
− Wall and partition designs.  
− Column designs.  
− Interior wall system designs.  
− Exterior wall system designs.  
 
Construction materials  
− Air-conditioning systems and components thereof: ducts, filters, connectors, dampers, 
acoustic material, sealants, adhesives.  
− Construction materials: Mineral wool and insulation blankets, laminated wall panels, 
composite wall panels, floor boards, wall coatings and finishes, floor coa tings and finishes, 
fire-retardant coatings, spray -applied mineral wool, insulation, pipes, cladding materials, 
doors and gates, fittings and hardware for escape route doors, fire doors and emergency exit 
doors, fittings and hardware for fire -resistant lif t doors, fire -resistant windows, glass blocks. 
Decorative fabrics for other purposes, decorative false ceilings, etc.  
 
Fire barrier systems and components thereof  
− Intumescent paint (primer, undercoat and topcoat) for metal.  
− Fire-retardant paints and varnis hes (primary stain, varnish finish coat) for wood.  
− Fire-resistant mortar.  
− Fire-resistant filler.  
− Spray -applied mineral wool.  
− Ceramic tiles.  
− Fire-resistant silicone.  
− Fire-resistant clamps.  
− Fire-resistant grilles.  
− Fire dampers.  
− Fire doors.  
− Fire-resistant wi ndows.  
− Fire-resistant drywall panels.  
− Mineral wool panels.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Fire protection equipment  
− Portable fire extinguishers: Water, water with additives, foam, gas, powder, etc.  
− Manually transportable fire extinguishers: Water, water with additives, foam, gas, powder, 
etc. 
− Automatic fire extinguishers: Water with additives, foam, gas, powder, etc.  
− Fire extinguishers: Spare charges, fire extinguisher cabinets, boxes and covers.  
− Fire-extinguishing systems with dry extinguishing agents: Powder, etc.  
− Fire-extinguish ing systems with wet extinguishing agents: Water with additives, potassium 
acetate and potassium chloride, etc.  
− Gaseous fire -extinguishing systems: CO2, argon, nitrogen, FM -200, FE -13, NOVEC 1230, etc.  
− Water -mist and water -spray extinguishing systems.  
− Low-, medium - and high -expansion foam extinguishing systems.  
− Compressed air foam extinguishing systems.  
− Fittings, components and spare charges for the above systems. Nozzles and diffusers. Support 
brackets and fasteners.  
− Fire-fighting pumps and pump units.  
− Pipes for supply networks and water -based fire protection systems.  
− Control instruments and accessories for fire protection systems.  
− Hydrants, equipment cabinets, fire hose reels (FHRs), hoses, nozzles, foam generators, 
proportioners, mixers, monitors.  
− Sprinkl ers, fittings and components for sprinkler systems. Nozzles and diffusers. Support 
assemblies and fasteners, etc.  
− Valves: Check valves for sprinkler systems, non -return, with actuator, etc.  
− Personal protective equipment: Jackets, helmets, boots, vests, bla nkets . 
− Extinguishing agents.  
 
Fire alarm systems and similar products  
− Intruder detection and alarm systems with fire -detection capability.  
− Fire detection and alarm system: Conventional, addressable, analogue, extinguishing, gas, 
etc. 
− Remote supervision and  monitoring devices.  
− Notification and alarm devices: Audible alarms, visual alarms, visual and audible alarms, 
loudspeakers, other accessories.  
− Initiating devices and accessories therefor: Flame, heat, smoke and combined detectors, 
detector bases, manual pull stations/call points.  
− Flame detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations/call points and other devices for 
classified zones. Anti -explos ion equipment (explosion -proof, intrinsic safety, increased safety, 
oil-immersion).  
− Gas detectors.  
− Monitoring devices: Pressure switches, flow switches, position sensors, level sensors, flow 
sensors, etc.  
− Control and activation devices: Relay bases, relay outputs, etc.  
− Remote modules: Monitor modules, control modules, isolator modules, etc.  
− System integration computer programmes.  
− Computer programmes for in -system device programming.  
− Electrical cables for detection systems.  
 
Electrical equipment  
 
− Electric conductors: Cables, wires, braided wires, strip, etc.  
− Conduits and fittings : Tubing, cable trays, inspection chambers, covers, seals, etc.  
− Emergency lighting and signage: Independent light sources with or without signage, safety 
decals, pictograms, etc., w hether or not photoluminescent.  
− Overcurrent protection: Thermal, magnetic, fuses, combined, etc.  
− Surge protection: Data surge protectors, AC surge protectors.  
− Arc striking devices.  
− Passive protection system devices: Franklin lightning rods, Faraday cages, down conductors, 
electrodes, fasteners, lightning -strike counters, etc.  
 
3. The system applies to both domestically produced and imported goods . Imported goods come 
from any country where they are produced and marketed by suppliers with which Cuba has tra de 
relations.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity of imports; its purpose is to prevent the entry of 
security technologies of dubious quality which do not meet the requirements for their use and which 
are incompatible with the systems use d in the country, and of materials and substances that pose a 
fire safety risk.  
 
5. Technical Communications Nos. 1 and 4 of 2012 and No. 2 of 2013 of the Head of the Fire and 
Rescue Service of the Republic of Cuba. Licensing is mandatory.  
 
Proced ures 
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) There is no requirement as to how far in advance of the activity accreditation must be 
requested, but the APCI has 30 working days from the receipt of the application within which 
to issue its decision, provided that the certifica tion requirements are clearly defined, 
substantiated and understood. An application for certification by the importing entities is a 
prerequisite for entering into a purchase contract.  
(b)  A licence cannot be granted immediately upon request.  
(c)  There a re no such limitations.  
(d)  Consideration of applications and granting of certification are effected solely by the Fire 
Protection Agency of the Ministry of the Interior.  
 
8. An application for registration may be refused where:  
 
− the equipment in question is not fire protection equipment under the criteria referred to 
above;  
− the documentation or samples delivered by the applicant do not satisfy the 
requirements;  
− the equipment is shown to have been subject to fraud or alteration.  
 
Eligibility of imp orters to apply for licence  
9. Legal persons, such as the importers, producers, marketers and suppliers of such equipment in 
national territory, as well as the Cuban, joint or foreign enterprises that use the equipment and are 
authorized to import it for t heir own use, are eligible to engage in these procedures.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications must be submitted in writing and include a list of products, contact information for 
the manufacturers, full contact details of the supplier for Cuba, and the full contact details of the 
certification applicant if other than the supplier. The documentation listed hereunder is also required 
in the context of the application process.  
 
An evaluat ion requires submission of the following documents, irrespective of the nature or 
destination of the product:  
 
− Technical specifications of the product;  
− Official certificate issued by a recognized body attesting to the fire protection and safety 
characteris tics and/or rating of the product;  
− Report on the tests and trials conducted on the product by the aforementioned body, or by an 
accredited laboratory and the results of which are recognized by the said body;  
− Physical samples of the product (a minimum of on e). In the case of certain products that, for 
the above reasons, require additional tests or trials, the supplier will be specifically requested 
to provide the requisite number of samples;  
− Other supplementary documentation that provides further information  on the product and the 
manufacturer (depending on the product type).  
 
11. A valid certificate and the evaluation report for each product imported.  
 
12. Certification application costs are established in accordance with the product and its technical 
charac teristics.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 32 - 
 
  13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of certificates is as follows:  
 
− Homologated products: 5 years.  
− Approved products: 5 years.  
− Approved products for exclusive one -time use: without a period of validity.  
 
The holder will receive a renewal notice three months prior to the end of the aforementioned period 
of validity and the expiry of the certificate. The certificate may be renewed by following a similar 
procedure as for the initial application.  
 
15. No, but the certificate issued only accredits the specific product that was subject to the process 
and under no circumstances may endorse another product even if it does possess similar 
characteristics. Inappropriate use of a certificate could result i n its withdrawal.  
 
Similarly, a product may also lose its homologated or approved status if, during its period of validity, 
non-compliant features are detected and make the withdrawal of certification advisable. The 
certificate issued validates the technic al guarantee and endorses the product for use and marketing 
in the country.  
 
16. Certificates are not transferable between suppliers in the country.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Fire Protection Agency . Director : Yasser Gálvez Castillo . Email: yasser@apci.cu ; Tel: ( +53) 
78665725 ext. 207.  
 
5  MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MINSAP ) 
5.1  National Directorate of Medicines and Medical Technologies, Pharmaceutical Services 
Department,  Control Unit for Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Other Similar 
Substances (DNMTM )  
Outline of systems  
1. Cuba is party to the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, the Convention on 
Psychotropic  Substances, 1971, and the Convention agains t Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and 
Psychotropic Substances, 1988. By virtue of the implementation of the international trade control 
related provisions of these Conventions, in Cuba imports and exports of narcotic drugs, 
psychotropic  substances, precu rsors and basic chemicals are subject to an import licensing system 
which is supplemented by a planning system covering medical, scientific and other legitimate needs, 
and a group of administrative measures aimed at preventing the possible diversion of the se 
substances towards unlawful channels at any stage of their transit.  
 
All national entities (legal persons) operating with these substances are entered in a central register 
at the Control Unit for Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Other Simila r Substances, which 
is the drug control department of the National Directorate of Medicines and Medical Technologies. 
These entities must comply with the following requirements: be entered in the Register of Importers 
and Exporters of the Chamber of Commer ce of Cuba and the Central Register of the Customs General 
of the Republic, be legally constituted, with a corporate purpose covering import and/or export 
activities, and be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment; and the 
substances with which they operate must be included in the list of goods approved for the entity.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. 
− Narcotic drugs regulated by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961;  
− Psychotropic substances regulated by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971;  
− Precursors and basic chemicals regulated by the Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic 
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.  
 
Purposes of licensing: To comply with the obligations deriving from the ab ove-mentioned 
international conventions, to prevent the diversion of these substances from their lawful circulation 
channels, and to ensure that medical and scientific needs are met.  
 
3. The import licensing system is applied on the basis of the above -mentioned classification to goods 
from all countries without exception.  
 
4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports. Limits on quantities for 
import are consistent with the estimates system established by the international treati es in which 
all member States participate. The estimates system is administered by the International Narcotics 
Control Board (INCB) and aims to meet legitimate needs for these substances while preventing illicit 
trafficking and diversion from lawful intern ational trade channels.  
 
The estimates system administered by the United Nations INCB works well and obtains excellent 
results, and therefore does not affect imports: on the contrary, it contributes to orderly import 
activity at international level.  
 
5. 
− Ministerial Resolution No.  58 of 1967 "Standards and Procedures for the Control of  Narcotic 
Drugs", in accordance with the provisions of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.  
− Ministerial Resolution No.  72 of 1990, which implements the provisions of the Convention on 
Psychotropic Substances, 1971.  
− Ministerial Resolution No.  67 of 1996 "Regulations for the Control of Precursors and Basic or 
Essential Chemicals", which implements the provisions of the Convention against Illicit Traffic 
in Narcotic Drug s and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.  
 
Import licensing is mandatory and is governed by specific legislation.   
 
Procedures  
6.I.  Once officially registered, the importer is automatically notified of the formalities to be 
completed when submitting an application for an import licence, and of the statutory rules 
and procedures.  
 
Information relating to the approved estimates for the country is officially published by the 
INCB and distributed to each country in printed form. It is also available on the I NCB website. 
Once the estimates are known, the quotas are allocated and the importers so informed as of 
January each year.  
 
There are no exceptions or derogations from the licensing requirement. Anyone operating with 
the above -mentioned substances is requi red to obtain an import licence.  
 
II.  Import quota size is determined on a yearly basis. The approved quotas are officially published 
by the INCB. Licences are valid from their date of issue until 31  December each year.  
 
III.  In the case of the above -mentioned substances which we are responsible for controlling, their 
final destination and end use must be stated each time an import licence is requested. There 
are also various levels of State supervision which make it possible to ascertain the lawfulness 
of such transactions.  
 
IV.  At any time of the year, although it is recommended that import licence applications be 
submitted, preferably, during the first, second and third quarters of the year.  
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  V.  The processing period for import licence applications is  15 working days as of the date when 
the application is submitted.  
 
VI.  Not applicable. This depends on the period of time established by the exporting country's 
competent authority for the granting of the export licence once the corresponding import 
licence has been received.  
 
VII.  Consideration of import licence applications is effected by the Control Unit for Narcotic Drugs, 
Psychotropic Substances and Other Similar Substances of the MINSAP, which is registered 
with the United Nations as the competent national authority for the purposes of the 
implementation of the above mentioned international treaties regarding the monitoring and 
control of drugs for medical and scientific use and chemical precursors. Where there is any 
suspicion of illegal activities  and a more in -depth investigation is required, the competent 
authorities are notified so that the applications can be examined by the National Counter 
Narcotics Directorate of the Ministry of the Interior.  
 
VIII. All applications are dealt with on a first -come, first -served basis and in accordance with 
established priorities. New importers are directly incorporated into the control system and are 
issued licences once they have met the established legal requirements.  
 
IX.  This is not applicable in the case  of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors. 
The licensing system applies to imports and exports alike and is mandatory both for the 
countries in which the goods originate and for those for which the goods are destined, in 
accordance with th e requirements of the above -mentioned conventions.  
 
X.  Under the above -mentioned treaties, export permits must be endorsed by the competent 
national authority of the importing country and subsequently returned to the competent 
national authority of the ex porting country. Cuba is also party to the pre export notification 
mechanism, which is applied to products classified as precursors and basic chemicals.  
 
XI.  Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the imports arrive in the country . 
 
(b)  Yes, it can, provided that the request is duly justified and the established requirements have 
been met.  
 
(c)  Not applicable.  
 
(d)  Consideration of import licence applications is effected solely by the Control Unit for Narcot ic 
Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Other Similar Substances of the MINSAP, which is 
registered with the United Nations as the competent national authority for the purpose of  the 
implementation of the above mentioned international treaties in respect of the monitoring and 
control of drugs for medical and scientific use and chemical precursors.  
 
8. An import licence application may be refused if it is shown to fall short of the established legal 
formalities and technical requirements, or if there is any i ndication of a risk to the country. Wherever 
possible, the applicant is directly notified of the reasons for the refusal.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be entered in the Central Register for Importers and Exporters at th e Control Unit 
for Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Other Similar Substances of the MINSAP.  
 
Any legal entity may register provided that it is already registered in the National Register of 
Importers and Exporters of the Chamber of Commerce of C uba and the Central Customs Register of 
the Customs General of the Republic.  
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  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications for import licences must contain the following information:  
 
− Name and legal domicile of the importer and exporter;  
− The entity's registration number in the National Register for the Monitoring of Controlled 
Substances;  
− Telephone number, fax number and e -mail address of the importer and exporter;  
− Generic name of the narcotic drug, psychotropic subs tance or substance with similar effect;  
− International Nonproprietary Name (INN), if any;  
− Harmonized system code;  
− Quantity of product with measurement units expressed in letters and numbers;  
− Product description: presentation, packaging, pharmaceutical form and dose of the product in 
the case of pharmaceutical preparations;  
− International sales contract number, where appropriate;  
− Declaration as to the use and final destination of the substance, identifying the client or the 
user of the substance;  
− In the case of imports of pharmaceutical preparations, the registration number issued by the 
Centre for State Control of Medicinal Product Quality;  
− Anticipated date of arrival of goods in the case of imports or anticipated date of  departure in 
the case of exports;  
− Authorized customs points where the goods declaration will be presented upon arrival in or 
departure from the country. In the case of exports, the customs entry point in the importing 
country must be stated;  
− Date of application;  
− Signature of the d irector or manager of the requesting entity and official stamp;  
 
In the case of exports, the import permit issued by the importing country's competent national 
authority for drug control must also be presented.  
 
11. The export permit issued by the exportin g country's competent national authority for drug 
control.  
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Licences are valid from the date on which they are issued until 31  December of each year. They 
cannot be extended. In the event of expiry, a new application must be submitted.  
 
15. There are no penalties for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of licence, or if the licence 
expires or is suspended, as a licence is required for each individual transaction, i.e. each t ime goods 
cross the border.  
 
16. Import licences are not transferable.  
 
17. No other conditions are attached to the issue of a licence, unless an official investigation or 
official supervision is required.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. National Directorate of Medicines and Medical Technologies , MINSAP . Director : Mailin Beltrán 
Delgado . Email: dnatencio nmedica@msp.sld.cu ; mailinbeltran@infomed.sld.cu ; 
Tel: (+53) 78319366; 78383393; 78383395. https://salud.msp.gob.cu/ . 
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  5.2  National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology  (INHEM)  
5.2.1   Department of Sanitary Registration and Control  
Outline of systems  
1. A licence is required to import raw materials, foodstuffs, food additives, materials, equipment or 
utensils in contact with food, cosmetics, product s for personal hygiene or use, toys, products 
manufactured from tobacco, products and technologies to treat water for consumption, industry or 
recreation, equipment and utensils for food use that incorporate these items. The purpose of this 
requirement is to ensure that commercial certainty, the hygiene status and use of these items at 
national level are maintained at the levels and within the ranges that are authorized under 
international commitments.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Health Registration of foodstuffs, raw materials, food additives, materials, equipment or utensils 
in contact with food, cosmetics, products for personal hygiene or use, toys, products manufactured 
from tobacco, products and technologies to treat water for consum ption, industry or recreation.  
 
Assessment and monitoring with a view to approving or not approving a foodstuff or product as fit 
for human consumption or human use; the assessment ascertains physical, chemical, biological and 
toxicologic properties using laboratory analyses in accordance with the health standards in force. 
Health or other certificates issued by the competent authorities in the country of origin must be 
submitted prior to such analyses, enabling the country  to meet its international obligat ions, including 
as a signatory to the WTO SPS and TBT Agreement s, relating to  food safety, labelling and other 
specifications based on the standards of the Codex Alimentarius  and the International Organization 
for Standardization  (ISO).  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world . 
 
4. This licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.  
 
5. The licensing proc edure  under  the sanitary registration system is governed by Law No.  41 on 
"Public Health"; Decree-Law No. 9 on food safety; and MINSAP Resolution s No. 262/2020 on sanitary 
registration of foodstuffs and cosmetics and No. 275/2003 on manufactured tobacco products . The 
legislation specifies the products covered by this licensing system.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable . 
 
7.(a) Applications for a licence  must be made before  importation, although there is no set time  limit 
for this.  
 
(b) Goods arriving in port without a licence must hold approval from the State Health Inspectorate 
which by way of exception will determine the methodology to use on a case -by-case basis. 
A licence cannot be granted immediately on request . 
 
(c) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which the licence application may be 
submitted or the importation  effected . 
 
(d) Importing entities are required, prior to importation, to register their products with the INHEM 
Health Registration Authority , and to notify the State Health Inspectorate  of the destination of 
the products .  
The Health Registration Authority is supported in the performance of its duties by a committee 
of expert advisers, specialist technical committees and test laboratories accredited by  the 
INHEM.  
 
The committee of experts analyses the products submitted to it for consideration and makes a 
decision on each one, as follows:  
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  Authorized: Indicates that the product satisfies all the requirements laid down by the health 
authority .  
 
Provisionally authorized:  Indicates that the product, its packaging and/or labelling has failed 
to satisfy one of the non -essential requirements laid down by the competent health authority 
and lays down a time limit for compliance. If the product fails to satisfy the requirements upon 
the expiry of the time limit, it will be classed as prohibited.  
  
Prohibited:  Indicates that the product does not satisfy the conditions relating to nutrition, 
hygiene and/or presentation required for distribution in Cuba.  
 
Products deemed by the Committee of Experts to be "Pending" will have a maximum of 30  days 
from the date they are declared "Pending" for the client to supplement the information required 
or to comply with any other stipulation laid down by the committee. If the requirement is not 
complied with in the allotted time frame then  the product in question will be discontinued and 
removed from the Health Registration procedure.  
 
The maximum period allowed for a technical opinion on the product will be 20  working days 
counted from the submission of the sample with documentation until the date of the final 
decision, depending on the type of analysis required.  
 
Issuance of a Health Certificate: Once a product has been approved, a Health Certificate for 
it will be drawn up and issued. It will be valid for three years unless the product pr oves to be 
harmful to health or the certificate is withdrawn at the request of the party concerned. An 
application for an import licence may be refused if any of the requirements set forth in the 
legislation is not met; the applicant is notified in writing  of the grounds for the refusal. No appeal 
lies from a refusal.  
 
8. None. The applicant is notified in writing of the reasons for the refusal. In the event of refusal to 
issue a licence, the applicant has the right of appeal to the  competent authority.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Those eligible to apply are domestic or foreign  legal person that takes on certain powers under 
contract from a manufacturer or owner of raw materials, foodstuffs, cosmetics, items for personal 
or domestic use, toys, products and technologies to treat water for consumption, industry or 
recreation and p roducts manufactured from tobacco in Cuban territory.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. In order to submit an application for Health Registration, a producer, importer and/or marketing 
business must be registered with the Health Registration Authority, a process that requires them to 
submit:  
  
− A list of general information.  
− Photocopies of the licences from the National Register of Foreign Representations and the 
Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba for the author ized activity, or a  Ministry of 
Foreign Trade Resolution for products for import or a Health Licence from the producing 
establishment and the corporate purpose of the entity for domestic products.  
− Each registered entity must keep the information upon which  accreditation is based up to 
date, and modify it in line with any changes.  
− Only a business or entity that is in compliance with these requirements can make an 
application to the Registration Authority in respect of its products.  
 
 
11. The documents requir ed are the certificate of registration with the Health Registration Authority 
and a Health Import Permit . 
 
12. Payment is required both for sanitary registration and for laboratory analyses of the samples 
that applicants are required to submit. The amount varies according to the tariff applicable to the 
product . 
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  13. There is an advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licences in accordance 
with the established rate . The Regulations and Indicators Handbook of the Health Registration 
Authori ty and details on current  fees can be found on  the INHEM website 
(https://instituciones.sld.cu/inhem/ ). 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Licences are valid for three years. They must be renewed three months before they expire via 
the submission of technical files, certification and samples but the fee is half that for the initial 
application. After that time, the licence expires and the product is regarded as a new product.  
 
15. Not applicable with reg ard to  registration, but non -utilization may be penalized  by the State 
Health Inspectorate.  
 
16. Yes, licences are transferable where authorized by the holder of the original import registration.  
 
17. No t applicable .  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. The Health Registration Authority reserves the right, where it deems it relevant and always in 
conjunction with the State Health Inspectorate, to conduct a technical visit to the producer, marketer 
or controlling entity prior to issuing th e licence or during the period of validity of registration in order 
to establish the degree to which the products comply with the requirements to which they are 
subject.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Department of Sanitary Registration and Control , INHEM -MINSAP. Head of department:  
Ahindris  Calzadilla Cambra . Email: ahindris@inhem.sld.cu ; Tel: (+53) 54704746; 
https://instituciones.sld.cu/inhem/ . 
 
5.3  Centre for Sta te Control of Medicines and Medical Equipment and Devices  (CECMED)  
5.3.1   Control of imports of medicines for human use, medical equipment and devices .  
Outline of systems   
1. Regulation by import control is the means employed by the Ministry of Public Health (MI NSAP) to 
prevent the commercial importation of medicines for human use that are of questionable quality or 
efficacy or that have been adulterated or tampered with, and the use of which may pose a risk to 
people's health.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The licensing system covers medicines for human use, medical equipment and devices.  
 
3. There are no country -based restrictions; all medicines for human use brought into Cuba are 
covered by the system regardless of their country of origin . 
 
4. There is no restriction on the quantity or value of imports ; its purpose is to prevent the commercial 
importation of medicines, medical equipment and devices for human use that are of questionable 
quality or efficacy or that have been adulterated or tampe red with, and the use of which may pose 
a risk to people's health . 
 
5. MINSAP Ministerial Resolution No. 65 of 2003 and CECMED Resolution No.  131 of 2015. The 
procedure is mandatory for the covered products. The granting of licences is statutorily required. 
The legislation does not leave the designation of products subject to licensing to administrative 
discretion and it is not possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative 
approval . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case. In this case, an application for an import certificate for medicines for 
human use may be filed before or after the shipment of products covered by a contract, at 
the applicant's discretion, by submission of the appropriate form drawn up to that end listing 
one or more products, provided they are all part of the same contract and shipment. The 
CECMED has up to 10 workin g days to issue the permit following receipt of the application . 
 
(b)  The prescribed processing time is short: a certificate is usually issued in less than five working 
days and where necessary or in a health service emergency the process can be speeded u p. 
 
(c)  Not applicable, a certificate is delivered for each individual shipment, upon request.  
 
(d)  Only the CEDMED can approve applications.  
 
8. Applications concerning medicines are refused if the medicines do not have sanitary authorization . 
The applicant is notified of the reasons for the refusal.   
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Only importers authorized to import medicines, equipment or medical devices accredited by the 
Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment ( MINCEX ) and with an import certificate from the 
CECMED are eligible to apply for licences. There is a published list of authorized importers.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications are made electron ically using the SICECMED system ; all importers are registered 
on and have access  to this system .  
 
11. 
 
− Document attesting to the quality of each of the batches of medicine included in the import 
application, such as: copy of analysis certificates from the original manufacturer or other 
national or foreign establishments or laboratories, quality certificate or other document in 
which the supplier assumes responsibility for the quality of the batches .  
− Samples or photocopies of the label s on the packing materials for medicines for human use 
where the information is not in Spanish (including the patient information leaflet) for  the 
exceptions provided for.  
− Copy(ies) of the letter(s) in which the receiving establishment(s) accept the import  of 
medicine(s) for human use, the expiry date of which is less than one year upon entry into the 
country and stating that they are aware of the shelf life(ves) and that the remaining shelf -
life(ves) and quantity(ies) of product are such that they can be u sed prior to their expiry.  
 
The CECMED reserves the right to request additional information of any kind where it deems it 
relevant to do so.  
 
12. The procedure costs CUP 750.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. An import certificate is issued  for each shipment and covers the product(s) contained in the 
shipment in line with the properties and quantities specified in the certificate. The certificate is valid 
for up to six months.  
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  No extension is possible; under the relevant regulations, when m edicines for human use covered by 
a contract are received in two or more separate shipments, a new import certificate must be 
requested for each shipment of the amount outstanding given that the same document cannot be 
approved twice, nor can it be subject  to corrections or clarifications that may interfere with its proper 
interpretation.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. Not applicable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No administrative procedures are required prior to importation; however, as explained above, a 
medicine must be registered before it enters the country.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. CECMED . Director : Olga Lidia Jacobo Casanova. Email: olga@cecmed.cu ; dayi@cecmed.cu ; 
Tel: (+53) 7271 -8645; 7271 -0710; https://www.cecmed.cu/ .  
 
5.3.2   Control of cross -border movement of samples of biological material  
Outline of systems  
1. The control of cr oss-border movement of samples of biological material is the means employed 
by the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) to ensure compliance with the national and international 
standards and provisions in force on the movement into or out of the country of s amples of biological 
material with the aim of preventing risks to health.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. It covers any specimen or portion of cells and their components, tissues, organs and biological 
liquids (serum, plasma, blood, saliva, tears, u rine, sweat, semen, nasopharyngeal and vaginal 
exudates, and cerebrospinal fluid), microorganisms and other elements that may pose a risk to 
human health.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world and to Cuban export  products . 
 
4. Not applicable.  
 
5. MINSAP Ministerial Resolution No.  132 of 2004. Health Protection Regulation Bureau (BRPS) 
Resolution No.  8 of 2007. The granting of licences  is statutorily required. The legislation does not 
leave the designation of products subject to licensing to administrative discretion and it is not 
possible for the Government to abolish the system without legislative approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable, there is no restriction as to quantity or value; this is a health monitoring system.  
 
7.(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of th e relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case. In this case, the application must be made before the movement is under 
way and upon receipt of notification of shipment; however, if necessary, an application may 
be made with the product at Customs.  
 
(b)  Yes, as stated above, when the product is at customs the person con cerned can liaise with the 
CECMED to obtain a licence as quickly as possible provided that the requirements have been 
satisfied.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  (c)  No. 
 
(d)  Not under this system; however products of this type are subject to regulation by other bodies 
and sometimes a s ingle product requires more than one licence (CITMA, DSA, MINAG)  before 
it can be removed from Customs.  
 
8. The circumstances under which an application may be refused are within the ordinary criteria . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. In this case, a health licence can be applied for by natural or legal persons.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Form issued by the authority.  
 
11. Relevant official application form.  
 
− Approval of the MINSAP CITMA Committee for research projects. For research projects that 
involve the movement on separate occasions of samples of biological material that have 
received prior approval, the initial licence granted must be referred to (licenc e number).  
− Technical report from the Haematology and Immunology Institute for samples of bone 
marrow.  
− Notification from the Vice Ministry of Health Care for samples for clinical diagnostic purposes.  
− For human DNA samples, official notification from the CN GM stating that the control samples 
have been deposited.  
 
12. The procedure costs CUP 750 .  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity is three months; if the material in question has not arrived within that 
time, an application for an extension can be made by re submitting the documentation (form).  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. Not applicable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. If the samples are part of a research project then the project must have b een approved by the 
MINSAP CITMA Committee, which requires a number of licences from other bodies.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. CECMED . Director : Olga Lidia Jacobo Casanova. Email: olga@cecmed.cu ; dayi@cecmed.cu ; 
Tel: (+53) 7271 -8645; 7271 -0710; https://www.cecmed.cu/ . 
 
5.3.3   Import of raw materials, medicines, diagnostic devices and cosmetics of animal 
origin . 
Outline of systems   
1. Raw materials, medicines for human use, diagnostic devices, cosmetics and items for personal or 
domestic use of animal origin or containing components of animal origin cannot be imported without 
the corresponding import licence issued by the CECMED  or, in the case of cosmetics, INHEM 's Health 
Registration, Control and Quality Department, in order to prevent the entry into Cuban territory of 
raw materials, medicines for human use, diagnostic devices, cosmetics and items for personal or G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  domestic u se of animal origin or containing components of animal origin that are capable of infecting 
humans with transmissible animal diseases.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The licensing system covers raw materials, medicines for human use, diagnostic devices, 
cosmetics and items for personal or domestic use of animal origin or containing components of 
animal origin.  
  
3. There are no country -based restrictions; all medicines for human use brought into Cuba are 
covered by the system regardles s of their country of origin . 
 
4. Licensing is intended to prevent the entry into Cuban territory of raw materials, medicines for 
human use, diagnostic devices, cosmetics and items for personal or domestic use of animal origin 
or containing components of a nimal origin that are capable of infecting humans with transmissible 
animal diseases .  
 
5. Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Public Health Joint Resolution No. 2/2001 and Health 
Protection Regulation Bureau (BRPS) Resolution No. 9 of 2002. The proced ure is mandatory for the 
covered products. The granting of licences is statutorily required. The legislation does not leave the 
designation of products subject to licensing to administrative discretion and it is not possible for the 
Government to abolish t he system without legislative approval . 
 
Proced ures 
6. Not applicable. There are no restrictions as to the quantity or value of the medicines; licences are 
awarded strictly on health grounds .  
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on the importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country : 
 
(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible,  they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case. In this case, the application for an import certificate for medici nes for 
human use may be filed before the shipment of products covered by a contract by submission 
of the appropriate official form drawn up to that end, listing one or more products, provided 
they are all part of the same contract and shipment. The CECMED  has up to five days to issue 
the licence following receipt of the application.  
 
(b) The prescribed processing time is short: a certificate is usually issued in less than five working 
days and where necessary or in a health service emergency the process can be speeded up . 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Depending on the product, applications are considered by the CECMED or, in the case of 
cosmetics, by the INHEM 's Department of Sanitary Registration, Control and Quality . 
 
8. An application may be refused where products are deemed to pose a high health risk or are from 
high risk countries. The applicant is notified of the reasons for a refusal . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Only importers authorized to import medicines, equipment or medical de vices on the MINCEX 
approved list and with an import certificate from the CECMED are eligible to apply for licences.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Form issued by the authority . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  11.(a) Certificates from the officia l veterinary services of the country of origin containing the 
information set out in the Third Paragraph of and in Annex 2 to Ministry of Agriculture and 
Ministry of Public Health Joint Resolution No. 2/2001 .  
 
(b) Copies of the analysis certificates for e ach of the product batches included in the application . 
 
(c) Express permission or authorization from the Ministry of Public Health for medicines and 
cosmetics that are unregistered or for which no provisional marketing licence has been issued.   
 
In this case, the following information must also be submitted:  
 
- Product data:  
 
o Generic name;  
o Trade name;  
o Pharmaceutical form and strength (for medicines);  
o Product type (for cosmetics and items for personal or domestic use);  
o Presentation;  
o Manufacturer;  
o Country;  
o Marketing entity.  
 
- Quality specifications or technical standard applicable to the product.  
- Assessment of suppliers and reasoning behind the choice made.  
- Batch release certificate issued by the regulatory authority of the countr y of origin.  
 
Express permission or authorization from the Ministry of Public Health for raw materials used 
in the manufacture of medicines or cosmetics that do not have sanitary authorization.  
In this case, the following information must also be submitted:  
- Product data:  
o Generic name;  
o Trade name;  
o Physical state;  
o Presentation;  
o Manufacturer;  
o Country;  
o Marketing entity.  
 
- Quality specifications or technical standard applicable to the product.  
- Assessment of suppliers and reasoning behind the choice made.  
- Batch release certificate issued by the medicines regulatory authority of the country of origin.  
 
For products undergoing research and development, the import licence application must be 
supplemented either upon or prior to submission by an explanation from the research entity 
as to the use of the raw materials or the product in question.  
 
12. The procedure costs CUP 750 . 
 
13. Not applicable . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Up to six months. When goods covered by a contract are received in two or more separate 
shipments, a new authorization must be requested for each shipment of the amount outstanding 
given that the same document cannot be approved twice, nor can it be subject to corrections or 
clarifications that may interfere with its proper i nterpretation. A licence cannot be extended.  
 
15. No.  
 
16. Not applicable.  
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  17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. CECMED . Director : Olga Lidia Jacobo Casanova. Email: olga@cecmed.cu ; dayi@cecmed.cu ; Tel: 
(+53) 7271 -8645; 7271 -0710; https://www.cecmed.cu/ . 
 
6  MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY (MTSS)  
6.1  Centre for the Certification of Personal Protective Items and Equipment (CCEPP)  
Outline of systems  
1. This administrative procedure seeks to ascertain that the personal protective equipment used by 
workers complies with the technical requirements set forth  in the national and international rules in 
force.  
 
The purpose of the procedure is to assess, approve and register personal protective equipment on 
the basis of an examination of the technical documentation, a physical examination of the equipment 
and it s marking in accordance with the applicable standards, and certain tests when the country has 
the competent laboratories.  
 
Based on the examination, a technical authorization is issued certifying that the equipment satisfies 
the requirements, and stating t he category and period of validity of the authorization.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The goods covered by this system are personal protective equipment, meaning devices or items 
worn by workers to protect them against one or more risks to their safety or health at their work 
station, and the parts, components or interchangeable accessories needed to ensure their proper 
functioning and used exclusively therewith, including:  
 
− protective headgear for motorcycle, motorbike and moped riders and equipment for 
underwater work (diving), essential to many economic activities even if they are not used 
exclusively by workers;  
− personal protective equipment acquired in connection with different technology projects, for 
example protective clothing that co mes with refrigerating equipment, protective devices for 
welding equipment, etc. to test their protective characteristics;  
− surgical gloves and lead aprons for x -ray exposure used in public health.  
 
The following are not included:  
 
Protective equipment desi gned exclusively for use by the armed forces, fire services, sporting 
activities, public transport (ships and aircraft), and rescue activities. However, other personal 
protective equipment used in such activities, but not designed exclusively for such use,  are subject 
to registration. These include:  
 
− respirators used by the fire services;  
− motorcycle helmets and goggles used for sporting activities.  
 
While the importation of equipment that has been donated is not subject to technical authorization, 
it must n evertheless undergo the relevant technical analysis before it can be used.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. The procedure seeks to ensure compliance with the protective requirements of the equipment 
marketed in the country for use by workers, and is in no way intended to restrict the quantity of G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  imports. The process is efficient enough to avoid any unnecessary delays that could impede the 
marketing of the equipment.  
 
The analysis method used is essentially documentar y. Tests could possibly also be conducted to 
achieve the desired result, but the necessary laboratories are not always available.  
 
5. The basic laws or regulations that provide the legal basis for the procedure are:  
 
Paragraph 2.2 of Agreement 8332 of 23 March 2018, which states that "the functions of the 
MTSS include proposing, directing and controlling policies in the areas of occupational 
protection, safety and hygiene and checking the protective characteristics of personal 
protective equipment".  
 
Article 36 of the Basic Regulations of the MTSS, adopted on 10 January 2015 by Resolution 
No. 2 of the President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers, Army General Raúl 
Castro Ruz, which states that the functions of the Centre shall be to regist er and approve 
personal protective equipment produced or marketed in the country.  
 
Article 141 of Law No. 116 containing the Labour Code, which stipulates that "it is the duty of 
the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MTSS) to propose general policy o n labour 
protection and safety and to approve personal protective equipment that is produced or 
imported" in order to regulate this process.  
 
MTSS Resolution No.  7 of February  2013, which specifies that the Centre for the Certification 
of Personal Protecti ve Equipment is responsible for organizing and implementing, as 
appropriate, all activities relating to the validation of equipment of this type to be distributed 
and used by workers in Cuba.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. The time available to the lic ence holder to perform these procedures depends on how promptly 
the application is submitted and on whether the relevant documentation and samples are delivered 
on time and in due form .  
 
(a) Not limited in time.  The time available to the licence holder to  perform these procedures 
depends on how promptly the application is submitted and on whether the relevant 
documentation and samples are delivered on time and in due form . 
 
(b)  Certification is not possible unless accompanied by the relevant analysis. The  process may, 
however, be quicker for renewals of previously registered and approved equipment.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations of that kind.  
 
(d)  There is only one administrative body.  
 
8. An application for registration may be refused where:  
 
− the equipment in question is not the workers' personal protective equipment under the criteria 
referred to above;  
− the documents or samples delivered by the applicant do not satisfy the requirements or when 
there are discrepancies between them;  
− the documentation presented is shown to have been subject to fraud or alteration.  
 
The applicant is notified of the report in such cases and may appeal to the next highest level of the 
MTSS as stipulated in the contract concluded between the parties.  
 
Eligibil ity of importers to apply for licence  
9. MTSS Resolution No.  7 of 2013 provides that legal personality to engage in registration procedures 
is vested in importers, producers and marketers of personal protective equipment; and in any G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  entities that use such equipment and are authorized to import them for their own use, such as joint 
ventures, provided that they submit the evidence required to that end and satisfy the other 
requirements.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. For registration of the entity:  
 
− The information requested in Form 1 delivered by the authority;  
− For foreign commercial branches, a copy of the trading licence issued by the 
Chamber  of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba and the list of equipment must be attac hed; 
− For entities operating from abroad, a copy of the articles of association of the entity in its 
country of origin, notarized by the Consulate of Cuba in that country or at an international 
notary's office in Cuba;  
− Cuban producers or trading entities mu st attach a copy of the MINCIN Central Commercial 
Registration to their application.  
 
For registration and approval of the equipment:  
 
− The information listed in Form 2  (attached) ; 
− Declaration of conformity by the equipment's manufacturer;  
− Approval certificate issued by an accredited independent laboratory in the country of  origin or 
a third country;  
− Technical fact sheet on the equipment;  
− Physical sample of the equipment with minimum marking for the purposes of  identification 
(trademark, mod el and reference number).  
 
11. The technical report attesting to its approval.  
 
12. The tariffs payable for the service are set out in Ministry of Finance and Prices 
Resolutions  No. P-84 of 2001 and No.  P-83 of 2005.  
 
13. There are no requirements of this  kind. 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of registration certificates for equipment depends on the category of the 
equipment, as follows:  
 
− Equipment in Category  I: 5 years;  
− Equipment in Category  II: 4 years;  
− Equipment in Category  III: 3 years.  
 
Upon expiry of the above period, the holder may renew the registration certificate once only.  
 
15. There are no penalties or charges of this kind.  
 
16. The rights conferred upon a licence holder by the registration of equipment are not transferable 
unless the change is to the name of the commercial entity and evidence is produced to that end.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. There is no provision for mechanisms of this kind . 
 
20. CCEPP . Director : Valia Carbó Vázquez. Email: valia.carbo@mtss.cu ; ariel.gonzalez@mtss.cu ; 
Tel: (+53) 7835 1641; 7838 0008 ext . 2044. http://www.mtss.gob.cu/department/7 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  7  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HYDRAULIC RESOURCES (INRH)  
7.1  Directorate -General  of Integrated Water Management  
Outline of systems  
1. The planning, regulation and control of hydraulic resources and the operation, technical oversig ht 
and maintenance of hydraulic works and installations. The INRH is responsible for promulgating 
regulations prohibiting the importation of water intensive sanitation equipment, fittings and 
furnishings, in line with worldwide trends and existing legislat ion. 
 
Resolution No.  28 of 28 February 2006 of the President of the INRH lays down the water consumption 
standards for water intensive sanitation equipment, fittings and furnishings and the energy efficiency 
ratings required for electric pumps. It further provides that technical approval must be obtained 
from the Institute prior to the importation into Cuba or production in Cuba of such products. These 
rules will have to be refined in line with technical and technological developments.  
 
Resolution No.  28 of  28 February 2006 of the President of the INRH lays down the water consumption 
standards for water intensive sanitation equipment, fittings and furnishings and the energy efficiency 
ratings required for electric pumps. It further provides that technical ap proval must be obtained 
from the Institute prior to the importation into Cuba or production in Cuba of such products. These 
rules will have to be refined in line with technical and technological developments.  
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The purpose of licensing is to lay down water consumption standards for water intensive sanitation 
equipment, fittings and furnishings and the energy efficiency ratings required for electric pumps.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. The licensing procedure is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports but to ensure 
that imported products comply with the standards laid down in respect of water intensive equipment 
and quality and energy efficiency standards for  electric pumps.  
 
5. Ministry of Construction Resolution No.  655/2009. The granting of licences is statutorily required. 
The legislation does not leave the designation of products subject to licensing to administrative 
discretion and it is not possible for  the Government to abolish the system without legislative 
approval.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Applications must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the 10th, 20th and 30th of each 
month.  
 
(b) Yes, it can, provided that the established requ irements have been met.  
 
(c) Not applicable.  
 
(d) Applications for import licences are considered only by the National Hydraulic Works 
Directorate at the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources. All applications are dealt with on 
a first come, first serv ed basis.  
  
8. An import licence application may be refused if it falls short of the established legal formalities 
and technical requirements.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register for Expo rters and Importers of the 
Chamber  of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The forms issued by the authority are for:  
 
− the importation of pumps;  
− an application for tapware . 
 
11. Technical Import Authorization (ATI).  
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The technical authorization is valid until conclusion of the contract with the importing 
undertaking.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. Import licences are not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Directorate -General of Integrated Water Management . Director -General : Emilio Cosme Suarez. 
Email:  emilio.suarez@hidro.gob.cu ; Tel:  (+53) 78363449; 7 8366702 ext . 173. 
http://www.hidro.gob.cu/es . 
 
8  MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY (MINDUS)  
8.1  National Lift Group (GNA)  
Outline of systems  
1. Regulations on lifts, escalators and moving walkways, which govern the design, manufacture, 
installation, operation, maintenance, repair, periodical inspection and importation of  this type of 
equipment.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The licensing system covers lifts for transporting people and goods (HS 8428.10.00), and 
escalators and moving walkways for transporting people (HS 8428.40.00), regardless of speed of 
movement  and subject to the exceptions indicated in the regulations.  
 
3. No distinction is made between countries. The licensing system applies to all imported equipment.  
 
4. The regulations do not restrict quantity by country of origin or provenance. Their purpos e is to 
ensure the necessary safety requirements for the transportation of passengers and goods.  
 
5. Resolution No. 137 of 2004 of the Ministry of Metallurgical, Mechanical and Electronics Industries 
(SIME) and Joint Resolution SIME -MINCEX No. 1 of 2005. L icensing is mandatory for all regulated 
products. Given the highly technical nature of the subject matter concerned, the Government is in 
charge of implementation and empowered by law in this respect. A central government agency 
(OACE) has been designated as the body responsible for this type of technology in Cuba . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Proced ures 
6. Not applicable . 
 
7.(a) The import approval notification is issued before the importer signs the supply contract . 
 
(b)  The import approval notification does not expire.  
 
(c)  Applications for import approval notifications may be made at any time.  
 
(d)  The importer is only required to approach the competent national authority, in this case the 
National Lift Authority attached to the Ministry of Industry.  
 
8. Import applications  may be refused if they do not comply with the regulations on lifts, escalators 
and moving walkways, or if they concern the replacement of existing equipment that is still 
operational and usable in accordance with safety requirements. In such cases, the ap plicant will be 
notified of the reasons for refusal and of the possibility of appealing this decision before the 
Directorate -General  of the Ministry of Industry.  
 
9. All importing entities are eligible to apply for authorization, provided that they have be en given 
approval to market these products.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The application shall be addressed to the head of the National Lift Group with the following 
information attached:  
 
− Technical project and de scriptive report, in duplicate, containing: a description of the type 
element concerned and the operation thereof; the relevant calculations, characteristics and 
technical descriptions; details of the electrical equipment concerned; and installation and 
assembly plans. The project must be signed by a duly authorized engineer and the owner or 
investor.  
 
The application must include the following:  
 
For lifts:  
− The name of the investor in charge of the works, and the address, telephone number, fax 
number and/or email address where they can be contacted.  
− A copy of the Resolution specifying the person authorized to sign the contract, with the 
address, telephone number, fax number and/or email address where they can be contacted.  
− Details of the place where the project will be carried out, including the address of the building.  
− A traffic study.  
− A general ground plan of the building, showing the position of the lift and the building's 
compliance with the manufacturer's requirements.  
− A cross -section diagr am of the lift shaft, showing the various floors, the lift car and how it is 
suspended.  
− A cross -section diagram of the machine room, showing the transmission mechanisms and lift 
motor.  
− A ground plan of the machine room, showing the lift motor and base.  
− A ground plan of the lift pit, showing the devices it contains.  
− A table showing the operating magnitudes assigned to the motor.  
− Electrical circuit diagrams.  
− Safety device details.  
− Adjustment and maintenance manuals.*  
− A spare parts catalogue.*  
− Assembly manuals  * 
− Details of at least three different suppliers from registered trading enterprises.  
− The name of the authorized company that is to assemble the lift, and its economic valuation.  
− Any other information that the investor considers of interest.  
 
Note: * It is  not necessary to submit these documents if the equipment has been registered.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  For escalators and moving walkways, the following must be provided in addition to the information 
required for lifts : 
 
− An analysis of the static tension of the supporting struc ture or an equivalent certificate from 
an accredited static -tension analyst.  
− Details of breakage -resistance tests conducted by an accredited body on direct -action 
components of steps, pallets or belts, such as chains and racks.  
− Calculations of breaking dis tance, together with adjustment data for loaded moving walkways.  
− Details of step or pallet tests.  
− Details of belt breakage -resistance tests.  
− Handrail breakage -resistance certificate.  
− Registration certificate, in duplicate, as endorsed by the registration body, stating that the 
type element is registered and in compliance with all the required specifications.  
− Construction licence, in duplicate, as issued by the competent authorities, certifying that the 
construction of the building has been app roved.  
 
11. The procedure is completely free of charge.  
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The import approval notification does not expire.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. Not applicable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedura l requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. National Lift Group,  MINDUS . Email: rene.antonio@mindus.gob.cu ; Tel: ( +53) 72633155; 
52162571. https://www.mindus.gob.cu/es . 
 
9  MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINING (MINEM)  
9.1  National Office for the Control of the Rational Use of Electricity (ONURE)  
Outline of systems  
1. Technical authorization to import electrical e nd-use equipment. Electrical end -use equipment not 
imported for marketing purposes must meet the voltage requirements for the installations in which 
it is to be used. Where the equipment is to be used at exhibitions and fairs or in field trials, the 
author ity in charge will grant technical authorization for three months. Where the equipment is to 
be marketed, the authority in charge will grant technical authorization for two years, provided that 
the equipment is registered by the authority responsible and t he technical acceptance is valid.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Licensing seeks to establish and control technical requirements relating to the energy efficiency, 
electrical safety and tropicalization of electrical end -use equipment that is import ed, manufactured 
or assembled in Cuba by national or foreign legal persons, with a view to promoting the rational and 
efficient use of electricity and ensuring consumer protection through the use of highly energy 
efficient and good quality equipment.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  It covers the following electrical end -use equipment:  
 
− Household refrigerating appliances classified under tariff subheadings 8418.10, 8418.21, 
8418.22, 8418.29, 8418.30 and 8418.40.  
− Household electric fans, classified under tariff subheadings 8414.51 and 8414 .59. 
− Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) classified under tariff subheading 8539.31.10.  
− Electric smoothing irons classified under tariff subheading 8516.40.  
− Air-conditioning machines classified under tariff subheadings 8415.10 (window or wall types); 
8415.82 and 8415.83 (split systems).  
− Microwave ovens classified under tariff subheading 8516.50.  
− Electric rice cookers classified under tariff subheading 8516.79.  
− Electric pressure cookers classified under tariff subheading 8516.79.  
− Electric coffee makers classified under tariff subheading 8516.71.  
− Household electric washing machines classified under tariff subheadings 8450.11, 8450.12, 
8450.19 and 8450.90.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. There is no restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Licensing seeks to contribute to 
Cuba's policy on electricity saving.  
 
5. Ministry of Basic Industry (MINBAS) Resolution No. 136 of 2009. Licensing is required for all 
entities that import  the equipment described above . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Prior to signing the contract of sale with the supplier . 
 
(b)  The authority in charge will have a maximum of five working days to consider the application 
and issue the corresponding te chnical authorization.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations.  
 
(d)  Consideration of applications is effected solely by the authority in charge.  
 
8. The following constitute general violations to these regulations:  
 
− Arrival at a Cuban port or airport of electrical end -use equipment that has not received valid 
technical acceptance from the authority in charge.  
− Non-compliance with the obligations undertaken, as set forth in existing legislation in this 
area.  
 
In the event of either of the above -mentioned vi olations, the authority in charge will apply one or 
more of the following penalties:  
 
− Warning notification.  
− Suspension of technical authorization for one year.  
− Withdrawal of technical authorization.  
− Refused entry or destruction of the equipment.  
 
The autho rity in charge will have 30 working days from when it becomes aware of a violation to 
apply the above -mentioned penalties.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Companies listed in the National Register of Exporters and Importers of the Chamber  of Trade of 
the Republic of Cuba that are authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade to import products under 
these subheadings.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Entities interested in beginning the technical acceptance process for any of the electrical end use 
equipment described, shall complete the relevant form and email it to the authority in charge.  
 
11. The technical authorization document issued by the competent authority.  
 
12. Yes, the administrative charge corresponds to the type of equipment concerned and the 
validation tests carried out on this equipment in laboratories recognized by the competent authority.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Technical acceptance is val id for two years, provided that there is no change to the equipment's 
technical specifications or the product model. At least 45 days before the technical acceptance 
expires, the holding entities may request an extension of two years, provided that the equ ipment's 
technical specifications or the product model have not changed. The authority in charge will have 
five working days to consider the extension request and make a decision thereon, after which the 
applicant will be notified.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. Equipment for which an importer already has technical authorization may be imported by other 
importers, provided that the product model and its technical specifications do not change.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable . 
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. ONURE , MINEM . Director : Maddiel Reyes de Armas. Email: maddiel@onrm.minem.cu ; 
Tel: (+53)  78330540; 78333512. https://www.minem.gob.cu/entidades -adscritas .  
 
10  MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (MINCOM)  
10.1  Technical Budgeted Entity for the Control of the Radio Frequency Spectrum 
(UPTCER)  
Outline of systems  
1. Technical authorization issued by the Ministry of Communications for imports of 
telecommunications equipment and devices, which must be approved by the customs authority for 
the purposes of importation. The aim is to ensure that imported equipment guarante es the proper 
functioning of public telecommunications/ICT networks, the safety of users, the rational and efficient 
use of the radio spectrum and does not interfere with other telecommunications services.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Licensing s eeks to maintain control of the use of the radio frequency spectrum and regulate the 
manufacturing and importation of radiocommunications equipment and the compatibility, 
manufacturing and importation of information and communication technology (ICT) equip ment.  
 
It covers the following types of equipment:  
 
− Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy, including line telephone sets with 
cordless handsets and telecommunication apparatus for carrier -current line systems or for 
digital line system s; videophones (HS 85.17).  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 53 - 
 
  − Microphones and stands therefor (wireless microphones only) (HS 8518.10).  
− Transmission apparatus for radiotelephony, radiotelegraphy, radiobroadcasting or television, 
whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound reco rding or reproducing 
apparatus; television cameras; still image video cameras and other video camera recorders; 
digital cameras (wireless only) (HS 85.25).  
− Radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus 
(HS 85.26).  
− Reception apparatus for radiotelephony, radiotelegraphy or radiobroadcasting, whether or not 
combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock 
(HS 85.27).  
− Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of  headings 85.25 
to 85.28  (HS 85.29).  
− Electric sound or visual signalling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, 
burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 85.12 or 85.30 (wireless only) (HS  85.31).  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. There is no restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Its purpose is to maintain technical 
compatibility with networks.  
 
5. MINCOM Resolution No. 132 of 2019.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Prior to signing the contract of sale with the supplier . 
 
(b)  No, an expert evaluation is necessary.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations.  
 
(d)  Consideration of applications is effected solely by the authority in charge.  
 
8. The following co nstitute general violations to these regulations:  
 
o Arrival at a Cuban port or airport of telecommunications equipment that has not received valid 
technical acceptance from MINCOM . 
o Non-compliance with the obligations undertaken, as set forth in existing leg islation in this 
area. 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Companies listed in the National Register of Exporters and Importers of the Chamber of Trade of 
the Republic of Cuba that are authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade to import pro ducts under 
these subheadings.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Entities interested in beginning the technical acceptance process for the above -mentioned 
telecommunications equipment shall send a request to the authority in charge . 
 
11. The technical authorization document issued by the competent authority.  
 
12. No.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Technical acceptance is valid for one year.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 54 - 
 
  15. Not applicable.  
 
16. They are not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Direc torate of International Relations and Foreign Trade,  MINCOM . 
Email:  isabel.greenup@mincom.gob.cu ; Tel: (+53) 7882 8108. https://www.mincom.gob.cu/ .  
 
11  MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION  
11.1  Centre for the Development of Construction Standards and Construction Costs 
(CDNCC ) 
Outline of systems  
1. Under Directive No. 1 a ssess ment of  the technical suitability of non -traditional products and 
construction systems, and under Directive No. 2 certifi cation  the conformity of traditional 
constru ction products and systems. The technical suitability document (DITEC) is the official 
document issued for a construction product or system once it has successfully undergone the 
evaluation process.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The aim is to ensure that constructions designed and built in national territory do not compromise 
the safety of human beings, animals, property or the environment, or other aspects of society in 
general. To this end, constructions must meet certain requirements that ca n reliably ensure an 
adequate level of safety.  
 
The DITEC can only be granted for the following non -traditional construction products and systems 
(new products or the new use of a traditional product):  
 
− Industrially manufactured products and systems.  
− Perfe ctly identifiable products and systems.  
− Products and systems intended for a specific and unequivocal use.  
 
For the purposes of these regulations, "non -traditional" shall be understood to mean products and 
systems which, having not been used sufficiently in  practice by the time the application is filed, are 
not covered by Cuban rules or regulations that make it possible to verify whether they meet key 
requirements.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. There is no restriction  as to the quantity or value of imports. Licensing seeks to contribute to 
Cuba's policy on electricity saving.  
 
5. Ministry of Construction Resolution No. 933 of 1999. Licensing is mandatory for all entities that 
import the products or systems described ab ove. 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Prior to signing the contract of sale with the supplier.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  (b)  No, an evaluation will be conducted by the Technical Centre for the Development of 
Construction Materials. Other institutions may be contracted if necessary. This work includes 
visits to production centres and construction sites, testing, user surveys, the preparation of a 
preliminary draft of the technical suitability document (DITEC), and consideration of the 
opinions of the rapporteu r and the committee of experts.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations.  
 
(d)  Consideration of applications is effected solely by the authority in charge.  
 
8. The DITEC may be provisionally suspended or invalidated where:  
 
− the product or system is defective;  
− the h older does not comply with the regulations or meet the conditions established in the 
DITEC;  
− the original text is misused;  
− the holder promotes or agrees to the use of the product or system for a purpose other than 
that for which the DITEC was granted;  
− other  products are marketed under the DITEC.  
 
If any of the above -mentioned circumstances are detected in the use and circulation of the DITEC, 
the Directorate of Standardization will, with a view to the temporary suspension or invalidation of 
the document, not ify the holder of the infringements observed and request that he present his case 
within 30 days. Any decision to suspend or invalidate the DITEC will be made known to the parties 
concerned.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. The DITEC is av ailable to producers, importers and traders of the products and systems 
concerned.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications shall be made in writing and must contain the express commitment to respect the 
obligati ons deriving from the regulations, particularly as regards any necessary controls, sampling, 
testing or experiments carried out in the factory or laboratory, or on the work site. Applications must 
be accompanied by the following information:  
 
− Name and identification of the product or system.  
− Name and distinctive mark of the manufacturer.  
− Main characteristics of the product or system that determine its suitability for use (in 
accordance with essential requirements).  
− Scope.  
− Packing, packaging, labelling a nd marking requirements.  
− Handling, transportation and storage requirements.  
− Rules on maintenance and repair.  
− Technical information regarding usage.  
− Results of tests conducted by accredited entities and of in -factory testing, which should at 
least cover aspects relating to the essential construction requirements.  
− Documents concerning the relevant quality system.  
− Characteristics of production, processing and manufacturing control centres.  
− References to use in works that are completed or under constru ction.  
− Certificates issued by authorized institutions and any other information considered useful.  
 
Where a DITEC is requested for a product or system produced in various factories, the report shall 
indicate any fundamental differences that may exist in th e manufacturing characteristics of the 
various establishments. Where deemed necessary, a specific report shall be requested for each 
production centre.  
 
11. The DITEC.  
 
12. Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The DITEC  is valid for five years, unless the relevant file specifies a different period of time or 
the object of the DITEC has been provided for in domestic standards or regulations during this 
period. The DITEC can be invalidated, reviewed or renewed where there are grounds for doing so. 
The renewal of the DITEC must be requested six months before its validity expires, by following the 
same application procedure.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. In the event of the transfer of the property or right concerned, the use of the DITEC will require 
authorization from the Directorate of Standardization.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. CDNCC , MICONS . Director : Juan Humberto Valle; Email: valle@micons.cu ; Tel: ( +53) 
7881 1029. http://www.micons.gob.cu/organo -central . 
 
12  MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT  
12.1  Cuban Ship Registry (RCB)  
Outline of systems  
1. Approval or certification of assemblies, accessories and parts for motor vehicles, railway vehicles, 
ships and boats, and of workshops, laboratories and other installations engaged in production and 
in the provision of services in the various transport sectors and in port activities, in accordance with 
the provisions in force and the international agreements to which the Republic of Cuba is party.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Its purpose is to ensure that assemblies, accessories and parts for motor vehicles, railway 
vehicles, ships and boats, and workshops, laboratories and other installations engaged in production 
and in the provision of services in the various transport sectors and in port activities do not 
compromise the safety of human beings, animals, pro perty or the environment, or other aspects of 
society in general. To this end, products must meet certain requirements that can reliably ensure 
an adequate level of safety.  
 
Approval is considered to be the action, with all the effects thereof, that is tak en by a competent 
authority to recognize officially, through a document issued for this purpose, that:  
 
• certain assemblies, accessories and parts for motor vehicles, railway equipment, ships and 
boats, or materials for the repair thereof, or for means and equipment used to transport freight 
or goods, meet the quality requirements and characteristics stipulated for their use . 
 
• the workshops, laboratories and other installations engaged in production and in the provision 
of services meet the necessary tec hnical and technological requirements, which together with 
the knowledge and professional skills of their employees, make it possible to ensure that such 
establishments are suitably qualified to carry out their work and provide the necessary quality 
and gu arantees . 
 
Entities engaged in importation, marketing, production and the provision of services are required to 
ensure the submission for approval of the products and services described, and to use, produce, 
import and market only those that have received approval.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  The system applies to new or retreaded tyres, welding electrodes, lifting devices and port fenders, 
with a view to standardizing the requirements to be met by these products. Technical import 
authorization (ATI) will be granted on the basis of an  analysis of the necessary requirements.  
 
3. This procedure applies to all countries that wish to export the said products to Cuba.  
 
4. The licensing procedure does not restrict the quantity or value of imports: its purpose is to ensure 
the quality of the  products and compliance with domestic technical regulations. No alternative 
methods were considered, since those used were effective in meeting the objectives pursued.  
 
5.  
-  MINTRANS Resolution No. 90 -1992 
- MINCEX Resolution No. 307 -2004 
-  MINTRANS Re solution No. 293 -2014 
-  Procedures  
 
Licensing is required for all entities that import the equipment described in the answer to question  2 
above.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Prior to signing the contract of sale with the supplier.  For goods  arriving in port without a 
licence, approval formalities can be completed  at the border . 
 
(b)  No, as it is necessary at least to examine the required documentation.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations.  
 
(d)  Consideration of applications is effected solely by  the authority in charge, although in the case 
of tyres, the approved brands are registered with the Tyres Committee.  
 
8. The applicant is informed of the reasons for the refusal. There is no right of appeal.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers authorized to import these products in accordance with a list approved by MINCEX may 
apply for technical authorization.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications shall be made in writing and must contain the following information:  
 
− Product name and identification.  
− Name and distinctive mark of the manufacturer.  
− Main characteristics of the product or system that determine its suitability for use 
(in accordance with essential requirements).  
− Scope.  
− Technical information regarding usage.  
− Results of tests conducted by accredited entities and of in -factory testing, which should at 
least cover aspects relating to key requirements.  
− Documents concerning the relevant quality system.  
− Characteristics o f production, processing and manufacturing control centres.  
− Certificates issued by authorized institutions and any other information considered useful.  
 
11. The certificate of approval issued by the competent authority.  
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applic able. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  Conditions of licensing  
14. The certificate of approval is valid for three years, subject to annual supervision and confirmation 
that the conditions under which it was issued have been maintained.  
 
The certificate of approval may also be invalidated , reviewed or renewed where there are grounds 
for doing so. Renewal must be requested three months before expiry, following the same procedure 
as for the initial application.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. The certificate of approval is transferable and may be used by other importers provided that the 
product specifications and characteristics do not change.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Cuban Ship Registry , MITRANS . Director : Miguel Pineda López; Email:  director@rcb.transnet.cu ; 
Tel: ( +53) 7209 4700. https://www.mitrans.gob.cu/es/ . 
 
13  MINISTRY OF CULTURE  
13.1  National Registry of Cultural Property (RNBC)   
Outline of systems  
1. For the purposes of the international movement of cultural property, the National Registry of 
Cultural Property of the Republic of Cuba (RNBC) applies and administers a cultural property import 
control system. Under this system, importers may obtain a numbered document that constitutes an 
import certificate.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Licensing seeks to control cultural heritage with a view to its preservation, and to prevent t he 
illegal trafficking of cultural property, in accordance with the legislation in force in Cuba and the 
international agreements to which the country is party. The following items are subject to import 
licensing:  
 
− Documents and other property relating to history, including the history of science and 
technology, and to the life of the founders of nationality and independence, leaders and 
eminent figures, and events of national and international importance.  
− Collections or objects of scientific in terest.  
− Products of archaeological excavations and archaeological discoveries.  
− Elements of artistic or historical monuments or archaeological sites which have been 
dismembered.  
− Property of artistic interest, such as original objects and works, and reprodu ctions or copies 
of plastic and decorative art works and of works of applied art and popular art.  
− Ethnological or folkloric objects and documents.  
− Rare manuscripts and incunabula, books, documents and publications.  
− Archives, including photographic, sound and cinematographic archives.  
− Maps and other cartographical materials, original and printed scores, special editions and 
sound recordings.  
− Items of numismatic, philatelic and vitolphilic interest, including revenue and similar stamps, 
single or in collections.  
− Ethnographic objects and musical instruments.  
− Any element or part of any urban historical centre, construction or site, whether or not 
declared a national or local monument.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  3. This procedure applies to cultural and/or heritage property  from any country in the world  
 
4. There is no restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Licensing seeks to ensure protection 
and control.  
 
5. Import licensing for cultural property is maintained under Law No. 1 of 4 August 1977, "Law on 
the Protection of Cultural Property", implemented by Decree No. 118 of 23 September 1983, and 
Resolution No. 57 of 26 October 1994 of the Minister of Culture, which establishes the importation 
procedure. This legislation implements the following conventions:  
 
− Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer 
of Ownership of Cultural Property.  
− Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Paris, 
November 1972.  
− Convention for the Safe guarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Paris, 17  October  2003.  
− Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, Paris, 2  November  2001.  
 
On this basis, the licensing system is statutorily required. The designation of products to be subjected 
to licensing is provided for in the above -mentioned international conventions and in Law No. 1 and 
its supplementary legislation. The granting of these licences for goods that require them cannot be 
suspended, as the law does not provide for any exceptions.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a)  Import licence applications are processed within 48 hours.  
 
(b)  No, as it is necessary to assess the product concerned.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations.  
 
(d)  Generally speaking, licence applications are considered by a technical administrative body. 
For the importation of heritage property, property the composition of which includes any of 
the species protected under CITES, property of outstanding significance,  or property of 
uncertain origin, the matter is put to the consideration of the CITES authority of the CITMA, 
the Chair of the National Cultural Heritage Council, and the relevant bodies of the Ministry of 
the Interior.  
 
8. Not applicable.  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Licences are assigned to any natural or legal person interested in importing, on a temporary or 
permanent basis, any of the cultural or heritage property referred to in the Law. Applications are 
expressly made beforehand, and importers notify the Registry of the date so that the requested 
import can be verified and the corresponding certificate validated.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applicants must provide the following informatio n, in document form or by email:  
 
− The particulars of the applicant.  
− The technical data sheet for each of the items to be imported.  
− Details of the type of regime under which importation is requested, i.e. permanent or 
temporary; in the case of the latter, a n indication of the period of time during which 
importation will take place and the origin of the imported item.  
− The nature of the import transaction, e.g. institutional, private, diplomatic.  
− The purpose of importation.  
− The particulars of the carrier, incl uding their passport number.  
− The country of origin and the authorization issued by that country where required.  
− Mode of importation.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  − Place, date and time of arrival.  
− For unaccompanied freight imports, the date and time when the containers will be opened.  
 
11. Upon importation, the specialist from the National Cultural Property Registry must present the 
import licence that has been issued to customs and verify it.  
 
12. The applicable administrative charge is in the process of being approved.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import licences are valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The period of validity may be 
extended at the request of the applicant.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or portion of a  licence. The document 
issued is simply invalidated.  
 
16. Licences are transferable between importers, provided that the change of carrier is requested 
beforehand; where property is detained pending compliance with import formalities, the carrier may 
endor se the document only once.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
20. National Registry of Cultural Property . Email: registro@cult.cu ; registro@cubarte.cult.cu ; Tel: 
(+53) 7831 3362; 7833 9658. https://registronacional.com/cuba/cuba_bienes_culturales.htm . 
 
14  CENTRAL BANK OF CUBA (BCC)  
14.1  Precious metals and stones   
Outline of systems  
1. The regulations are applicable to the importation and exportation of precious metals and stones 
by Cuban and foreign  legal persons in the territory of the Republic of Cuba. These regulations cover:  
 
− Precious metals: gold and silver, unwrought, in semi -manufactured forms and in powder form.  
− Precious stones: diamond, sapphire, ruby and emerald, unwrought, cut and unset.  
 
Legal persons are free to import precious metals and stones, in the above -mentioned forms, 
provided that the intended use of these goods is in line with their authorized corporate purpose and 
that they comply with the established requirements and formaliti es for customs clearance, in addition 
to any others that may be applicable. The importation and exportation of demonetized pieces and 
domestic or foreign specimens of a numismatic nature are subject to the specific regulations laid 
down for that purpose.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Licensing seeks to control and ensure the safety of precious metals and stones, with a view to 
their preservation, and to prevent the illegal trafficking of these goods, in accordance with the 
legislation in force in C uba and the international agreements to which the country is party.  
 
3. This procedure applies to precious metals and stones from any country in the world.  
 
4. There is no restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Licensing seeks to ensure protec tion 
and control.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
- 61 - 
 
  5. Import licensing for precious metals and stones is maintained under Decree -Law No.  361 of 
14 September  2018 and Resolution No. 28 of 2002 of the President of the Central Bank of Cuba. 
On this basis, the licensing system is statutorily required. The granting of licences is statutorily 
required. The legislation does not leave the designation of products subject to licensing to 
administrative discretion and it is not possible for the Government to abolish the system without 
legislative app roval.   
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations must be granted by a 
competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this 
is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation 
(defined as the date of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of 
each individual case. In this case, import licence applications are processed at least seven 
days prior to the importation of the goods.  
 
(b)  No, as it is necessary to examine the requested documentation.  
 
(c)  There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application may be made.  
 
(d)  Licence applications are considered b y a technical administrative body.  
 
8. The illegal procurement of precious metal and stones. If the information provided by the importer 
is unclear, the importer will be requested to provide further information to demonstrate the legality 
of the import ope ration. If the importer fails to demonstrate the legality of the operation, the 
operation shall not be authorized and the applicant shall be notified of the reasons for the refusal. 
The authority's decision is irrevocable.  
 
Eligibility of importers to appl y for licence  
9. Importers authorized to import these products in accordance with a list approved by MINCEX may 
apply for an import licence.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applicants are required to include the foll owing information in their application:  
 
− Description of the metals.  
− Copy of the international sales contract.  
− Intended use of the goods.  
 
11. Upon importation, the importer must present to customs the import licence issued by the BCC.  
 
12. No administrative fees are charged for the issue of the import licence.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The issued import licence does not have an established validity period.  
 
15. There is no penalty for the non -utilization of an import lic ence.  
 
16. Licences are non -transferable.  
 
17. No.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/11  
 
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  19. Not applicable.  
 
20. Central Bank of Cuba . Email: yohanna@bc.gob.cu ; Tel: ( +53) 7862 -1577; 7863 -5344. 
http://www.bc.gob.cu . 
 
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