G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
20 September 2018  
(18-5865) Page: 1/57 
Committee on Import Licensing  Original: Spanish  
 
  
REPL IES TO THE QUESTIONN AIRE ON IMPORT LICEN SING PROCEDURES1 
NOTIFICATION UNDER A RTICLE 7.3 OF THE AG REEMENT ON  
IMPORT LICENSING PRO CEDURES (2018) 
CUBA 
The following communication, dated 4 September 2018 , is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Cuba . 
 
_______________  
 
 
1  MINISTRY OF SCIENCE , TECHNOLOGY AND THE  ENVIRONMENT (CITMA)  ....................  2 
1.1  Centre for Environmental Inspection and Control (CICA)  ................................ ...................  2 
1.1.1   Biological diversity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 2 
1.2  National Centre for Biological Safety (CNSB)  ................................ ................................ .... 4 
1.3  National Centr e for Nuclear Safety (CNSN)  ................................ ................................ ...... 7 
1.4  National Centre for Chemical Safety (CNSQ)  ................................ ................................ ...10 
1.4.1   Substances that deplete the ozone layer  ................................ ................................ ......10 
1.4.2   Chemical substances  ................................ ................................ ................................ .12 
1.5  National Bureau of Standards (ONN)  ................................ ................................ .............. 16 
2  MINISTRY OF AGRICUL TURE (MINAG)  ................................ ................................ ....... 18 
2.1  Directorate of Plant Health (DSV)  ................................ ................................ .................. 18 
2.2  Institute of Soils (IIS)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..19 
2.3  Directorate of Animal Health (DSA)  ................................ ................................ ................ 21 
3  MINISTRY OF THE ARM ED FORCES  ................................ ................................ .............  23 
3.1  National Office of Hydrography and Geodesy (ONHG)  ................................ ....................... 23 
4  MINI STRY OF THE INTERIOR  (MININT)  ................................ ................................ ..... 25 
4.1  Protection Directorate  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..25 
4.2  Fire Protection Agency (APCI)  ................................ ................................ ....................... 26 
5  MINISTRY OF PUBLIC HEALTH (MINSAP)  ................................ ................................ ... 31 
5.1  National Directorate of Medicines and Medical Technologies, Pharmaceutical Services 
Department, Control Unit for Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Other Similar 
Subst ances (DNMTM)  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 31 
5.2  National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology (INHEM) ............................... 34 
                                                
1 See G/LIC/3, Annex , for the Questionnaire.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  5.3  Centre for State Control of Medicines and Medical Equipment and Devices (CECMED)  .......... 35 
5.3.1   Control of imports of medicines for human use  ................................ ............................. 35 
5.3.2   Control of cross -border movement of samples of biological material  ................................ 37 
5.3.3   Import of 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  ....39 
6  MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND SOCIAL SECURITY (MTSS)  ................................ ..............  41 
6.1  Centre for the Certification of Personal Protective Equipment  ................................ ............ 41 
7  NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HYDRAULIC RESOURC ES (INRH)  ................................ ....... 44 
7.1  National Hydraulic Works Directorate  ................................ ................................ ............. 44 
8  MINISTRY OF INDUSTR Y (MINDUS)  ................................ ................................ ...........  45 
8.1  National Lift Group (GNA)  ................................ ................................ ............................. 45 
9  MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINING (MINEM)  ................................ ...........................  47 
9.1  National Office for the Control of the Rational Use of Electricity (ONURE)  ............................ 47 
10  MINISTRY OF INFORMA TICS AND COMMUNICATI ONS (MINCOM)  ............................  49 
10.1  General Directorate of Communications (DGC)  ................................ .............................. 49 
11  MINISTRY OF CONSTRU CTION  ................................ ................................ .................  51 
11.1  Directorate of Standardization  ................................ ................................ ..................... 51 
12  MINISTRY OF TRANSPO RT ................................ ................................ .......................  53 
12.1  Cuban Ship Registry (RCB)  ................................ ................................ ......................... 53 
13  MINISTRY OF CULTURE  ................................ ................................ ............................  55 
13.1  National Registry of Cultural Property (RNBC)  ................................ ............................... 55 
 
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1  MINISTRY OF SCIENCE,  TECHNOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT  (CITMA)  
1.1  Centre for Environmental Inspection and Control  (CICA)  
1.1.1   Biological diversity  
Outline of systems  
1. Export and import permits  are required  for all species listed in the Appendices to CITMA Resolu tion 
No. 160/11  - "Regulations for the control and protection of species of special significance for 
biological diversity in the country" as well as species included in the three appendices of the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) . CITMA 
Resolution No. 111/96 - "Regulations on Biodiversity"  governs the conservation of national biological 
diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising 
from the use of genetic resources, all plant and animal species and parts and derivatives thereof  
except for  species considered exotic o r transgenic. Also excluded from the scope of the above 
Resolution are the biological resources evoked by the agricultural, livestock and fish production of 
the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of the Food Industry, the State sugar enterprise Azcuba, and 
other state, cooperative and private producers, which are duly authorized by the competent 
authority, destined for human  and animal consumption, and traditionally used in the country for 
these purposes . 
 
These import permits are granted to Cuban and non -Cuban natural persons and legal persons.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Species entering the country as animal or plant variety specimens, in the form of holotypes, 
genotypes, products or derivatives of species and  specimens of species.  
 
3. This procedure applies to goods from any country in the world.  
 
4. These permits do not restrict quantity.  
 
5. The Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment (CITMA) was established in April 1994 
pursuant to Decree -Law No. 147 of the Republic of Cuba , and b y means of Resolution No. 16 of 
1999, the CITMA appointed the Centre for Environmental Inspection and Control (CICA) to establish, 
in coordination with the competent bodies, checks aimed at ensuring effective compliance with the 
measures needed to preserve and ensure the sustainable use of the country's natural resources.  
  
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Applicatio ns for import permits must be submitted 30 working days in advance.  
 
(b)  Extension is possible; requests must be addressed to the CICA.  
 
(c)  Not applicable.  
 
(d)  The CICA is the only institution in the country authorized to review and assess application s 
(with the assistance of experts from legally appointed competent scientific bodies).  
 
8. Applications for permits may be refused if the information therein is not approved.  
The applicant must be notified of this decision in writing.  
 
Eligibility of impor ters 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. Permit requests must be set forth in a document addressed to the CICA and an application form 
must be completed with the required information.  
 
11. Not applicable.  
 
12. The following fees are payable pursuant to Resolution No. 181/2004.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of lice nsing  
14. An import permit is valid for six calendar months and may be extended before its expiry date 
through a request made to the CICA.  
 
15. There are no penalties, since no legal instrument contains any provisions to that effect.  Permits 
are subject on ly to expiry.  
 
16. Permits are not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  Other procedural requirements  
18. No other procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
1.2  National Centre for Biological Safety (CNSB)  
Outline of systems  
1. The National Centre for Biological Safety (CNSB), as the regulatory centre of the 
Ministry  of Science, Technology and the Environment (CITMA), is responsible for , inter alia , granting 
licences for 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, 
in the national territory, and at the var ious stages of the construction of facilities 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,  
Stockpiling and Use of Chemical W eapons and on their Destruction . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Biological safety authorization is a form of environmental licence, through which the  CITMA, after 
having carried out a risk assessment, authorizes 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 authorizat ion 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 .  
 
For these purposes, biological agents are defined as viable micro -organisms and their products, 
priors and other organisms which cause 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 . 
 
3. The Biological Safety Authorization System is applicable to goods originating in any country . 
 
4. The system does not provide for a limit to the quantity or value of imports; this depends instead 
on the risk analysis carried out in each case . 
 
5. The legal instruments under which the Biological Safety Authorization  System is maintained are 
the following : 
 
• Resolution No.  67/96 on the creation of the CNSB and its functions and responsibilities, 
which include organizing and implementing procedures for granting licences for the 
importation of biological agents and their  products, and organisms and parts thereof 
containing genetic information . 
• Decree -Law No.  190 on biological safety. Section  1, Article  4(c) e stablishes the 
responsibilities of the CITMA, which include granting, suspending and withdrawing licences 
for activities relating 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 Authori zation. 
Chapter  1, Article  6(e) p rovides 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 gen etic 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.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  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 of any of 
these containing genetic information. These products constitute the converge of biological safety 
regulation and the scope of risk control . 
 
Any change needed to the current system  which would mean amending the Decree -Law  would 
be made by the  Council of State at the proposal of the CITMA. Any amendment to 
Resolution  No. 180, which gives effect to the authorization system, would be the responsibility of 
the issuing authority, in this case the CITMA, which is in charge of biological safety . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
7.(a) 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 process 
will be suspended u ntil the relevant information has been received. Authorization must 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 environmen t. 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 w hich an application may be  made . 
 
(d) Examination of biological safety licence applications is the job of the CNSB. However, in  the 
course of its examination, it may need to call on experts from other administrative bodies to 
assist in reaching a final dec ision. Applications are also submitted to the Centre  for 
Environmental Inspection and Control (CICA) for an opinion on whether or not the activities 
are appro priate. The technical report of the Centre is binding for the granting of a  biological 
safety lice nce. 
 
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 compe tent 
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: issue of the licence is d eferred 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 for t he decision in detail . 
 
Appeal against the competent authority's decision lies within 10 working  days of the date 
of notification, as appropriate, to : G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  • The Director -General of the Office for Environmental Regulation and Nuclear Safety; or  
• the Minister of the CITMA when the impugned decision is upheld by the Director -General 
of the Office for Environmental Regulation and Nuclear Safety . 
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 Biological Safety Authorization . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers must be registered in the National Register fo r Exporters and Importers of the 
Chamber  of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba .  
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. In order to obtain an import licence, the applicant must submit a technical file, accompanied by 
a written  application for a biological safety licence, to the competent authority. The following 
information must be included : 
 
• name of the facility or release area ; 
• body or organization to which it belongs ; 
• date of application ; 
• legal domicile, telephone and fax nu mbers, e-mail address ; 
• description of the proposed activity ; 
• risk assessment carried out for each activity ; 
• name, surname and signature of the entity's legal representative ; 
• official stamp of the entity ; 
• certified copy of the requesting entity's charter ; 
• certified  copy of the document officially appointing the owner of the requesting entity.  
The technical file must also contain 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 imported .  
 
11. Upon importation, the relevant biological safety licence is required . 
 
12. Import licences cost between 345 and 3,979 Cuban pesos . 
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. The period of validity of a licence depends on the assessment made by the specialist in charge 
of the process. To renew a licence upon its expiry, a new letter of application must be submitted to 
the CNSB . 
 
15. Penalties are imposed only if importation takes place without biological safety authorization or  
after the licence expiry date . 
 
16. Licences are not transferable between importers . 
 
17. The issuing of a licence is subject to the conditions laid down i n the legislation on biological 
safety . 
 
Other procedural requirements   
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  1.3  National Centre for Nuclear Safety  (CNSN)  
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 purp oses, in accordance with the safeguards regime for such 
materials . 
 
Licences are granted to Cuban  and non-Cuban  legal persons based or represented in the Republic  of 
Cuba. 
 
These procedures are in conformity with the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Secur ity of 
Radioactive Sources and supplementary Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Sources, 
of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and with the nuclear non -proliferation 
commitments under the treaties on non -proliferation and prohibit ion of nuclear weapons in 
Latin America and the Caribbean .  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The authorization described above is granted in the form of : 
 
• import licences;  
• authorization to transfer nuclear material or significant components (or both), insofar as 
the importation is considered an international transfer.  
Ionizing radiation source: Anything that produces ionizing radiation and might cause exposure to 
such radiation . 
Nuclear material: Uranium containing the mixture of isotopes occurri ng in nature; 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 mor e 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. The licensin g system applies to goods from any country . 
 
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 . 
 
5. Decree -Law No.  207 of 14  February  2000 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" . 
 
Import licensing is mandatory. The legislation specifies the products that are subject to licensing in 
each case .  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  The Council of State (the legislature) has made licensing a statutory requirement and empowers the 
CITMA (the executive) to establish the terms and conditions for each system. Parliamentary approval 
would be required to abolish the current system . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Under current legislation, an import licence must be obtained from the National Centre for 
Nuclear Safety (CNSN) prior to the introduction of ionizing radiation sources into the country. 
It is provided that the CNSN must respond to a licence application within 30  working days of 
its receipt . 
 
(b) For the transfer of nuclear material or significant components, applications must be submitted 
90 days before the scheduled date of importation . 
 
(c) Given that an assessment is required, a licence can never be granted immediately . 
 
(d) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which an application for a licence 
may be made. The CNSN 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 rejected on the following grounds : 
 
• the documents and information provided by the applicant are incomplete or have not been 
prepared in accordance with the requirements of CITMA Resolution No.  334/20 11; 
• the application has not been signed by the entity's legal representative ; 
• the documents and information are confusing, incomplete or contradictory ; 
• the activity for which authorization is requested is not justified for the purposes of 
radiological prot ection ; 
• the applicant does not meet the regulatory and safety requirements for conduct ing the 
activity.  
 
Authorization 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 rejection of the application for  a licence to 
import ionizing radiation sources  and attaches  the report setting out the grounds for the decision . 
 
Appeal to the Director -General of CITMA's Office for Environmental Regulation and Nuclear Safety 
against the decision rejecting the application lies within 10 working  days of the date of notification 
of the decision . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Importers mu st 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 licence s 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 data such as the name and address of the requesting entity, the name 
and surname of the entity's legal representative, and the type of authorization requested . 
 
Applications to transfer nuclear material or significant components mus t be submitted using the 
forms contained in Annexes 2 and 4 to CITMA Resolution No.  62/1996, as appropriate . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  11. Applicants for licences to import ionizing radiation sources must submit the following documents 
and information : 
 
• legal document certifying t hat 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 rec eiving 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 regulatory authority in the country of origin concerning the approval of the design ; 
• production certificate for sealed sources ; 
• certification of ISO 2919 classification of the source ; 
• package desig n approval certificate for the transportation of Type B packages in 
accordance with the regulations in force on the transport of radioactive material.  
12. A fee of 1,263 Cuban pesos is charged for the issue of an import licence, as laid down in 
Resolution No. 347/2012 of the Ministry of Finance and Prices . 
 
There is no charge for the authorization to transfer nuclear materials or significant components . 
 
13. There is no deposit or advance payment requirement. The only payment required is the fee 
referred to  in point 12 above. If authorization is refused, the applicant is not required to make any 
payment . 
 
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 circum stances. 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 the issuing 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  1.4  National Centre for Chemical Safety  (CNSQ)  
1.4.1   Substances that deplete the ozone layer 
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 purpose 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 c ommitments.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The system covers any substance pertaining to the hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) group, and 
mixtures thereof; R -401A (chlorodifluoromethane, difluoroethane and chlorotetrafluoroethane), 
R-409A (chlorodifluoromethane, chlorotetrafluoroethane and chlorodifluoroethane) and R -408A 
(chlorodifluoromethane, trifluoroethane and pentafluoroethane), etc. Also included are products and 
equipment containing these substances (e.g. refrigerated and/or air -conditioned transport units, 
portable extinguishers, refrigerators, freezers, heat -pumps, and aerosol products). The latter will 
only be allowed entry into the country until 31 December 2014.  
 
3. The licensing system applies to all the above substances, regar dless of the countries they originate 
in or come from.  
 
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 quest ion 
until they are totally eliminated, in compliance with Cuba's obligations as signatory to the Vienna 
Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that 
Deplete the Ozone Layer.  
 
5. Law No. 81 on the environment , Article 12(g) and (i); and Ministry of Science, Technology and 
the Environment (CITMA) Resolution No.  116/2005. Import licensing is mandatory. The legislation 
specifies the substances covered by this licensing system.  
 
Procedures  
6. ORASEN, 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 for the elimination of these substances.  This quota cannot be carried over from one year 
to the next.  
 
The authorized importers of controlled substances are Empresa Cubana Importadora -Exportadora 
de Productos Químicos (QUIMIMPORT), Group Empresarial Comercializadora ITH and Empresa 
Importadora -Exportadora TECNOTEX.  
 
These im porters submit their applications to the CNSQ  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 accor dance with a distribution procedure 
based on needs and availability.  This information is not published and is supplied only to the 
interested parties ( Technical Ozone Office , the CNSQ , and entities concerned), as explained 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 (calendar year). Quota s 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 anticipated amount is t oo 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 and December each ye ar, they must notify the Technical Ozone G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  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 such substances. Ever y three months, the Customs General of the Republic notifies 
promptly to the Technical Ozone Office the data relating to actual imports into Cuba of all 
regulated and controlled ozone -depleting substances, and products, equipment and 
technologies. The envi ronmental 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, at 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, ORASEN reviews the documentation supplied and determines 
within a period of five working days following receipt whether or not to issue the environmental 
license. The period for issuing a licence concludes within 30 working days as from the date of 
acceptance of the application by ORASEN. Within that period, ORASEN informs the applicant 
in writing whether the licence has been awarded or refused.  
 
VI. Applications are submitted to the CICA, which is based at the Office for Environ mental 
Regulation and Nuclear Safety (ORASEN) of the CITMA.  It is not necessary to approac h 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 substan ce to be imported for each of those entities, 
in accordance with the amounts allocated in advance by the CNSQ (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 al low without affecting its international phase -out 
commitments.  
 
VIII.  Applications are examined and, once approved in the same order, they are notified to the 
CICA, thus ensuring that any importer to which a quota has been allocated can apply for the 
necessary l icence.  
 
IX. Not applicable  
 
X. Not applicable  
 
XI. No 
 
7.(a) 60 working days prior to the scheduled date of importation.  
 
(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) No 
 
(d) In such cases, environmental licences are granted solely by the CICA.  
 
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 
technologies that use these substances must be autho rized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade by 
means of a resolution defining the substance type or group.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 12 - 
 
  Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Form issued by the authority.  
 
11. The relevant licence must be presented to Custo ms. 
 
12. There is a fee of 62 Cuban pesos.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Licences are valid for the year in progress.  They cannot be extended.  
 
15. No. 
 
16. Licences are not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. There are no other procedures.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
1.4.2   Chem ical substances  
Outline of systems  
1. 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 purp oses 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 substance, quantity, Schedule to 
which the substance belongs, name of director of the ent ity, 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 export er, country of origin and country of provenance.  
 
Licences are valid for only one import transaction.  
 
The import and industrial use of crocidolite (blue asbestos), polychlorinated terphenyls  
(Res. 96/2004) , pentachlorophenol  (Res. 96/2004) and ethylene di chloride  (Res. 96/2004)  are 
prohibited, as is the industrial use in textile production of polybrominated biphenyls  (only 
polybrominated)  and tris  (2,3 dibromopropyl) phosphate  (Res. 96/2004) . The use of polybrominated 
biphenyls and tris  (2,3 dibromopropyl)  phosphate for purposes other than textile production is 
subject to licensing  (by the CICA, Res. 96/2004) . The industrial use of ethylene oxide for sterilization 
purposes (Res. 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 containing more than 50 ppm PCBs is prohibited  (Res. 96/2004) , as is the importation of 
anthophyllite, tremolite, actinolite and amosite  (Res. 9 6/2004) . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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  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 legisla tion governing pesticides 
(Res. 268/1990).  
 
3. The decisions in the preceding paragraph apply to all countries of origin of these chemicals but 
do not cover imports thereof for the purposes of research or analysis or their use as reference 
standards, in which case a licence issued by the CNSQ is compul sory (Res. 96/2004) . 
 
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 their 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 product s containing 
such substances in the percentages established, are imported only for purposes not prohibited under 
the CWC. The procedure limits the quantity of Schedule 1 substances in the country at any given 
time, which cannot exceed one tonne, and ensure s that transfers of Schedule  1 and 2 substances 
and the products containing them take place only between States  Parties. With  regard to Schedule 
3 substances, if they are transferred to a State not party to the CWC, that State must issue a 
certificate stat ing 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 imports 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 
the use of CWC -controlled substances for mankind and the future of our planet. As to the substances 
covered by the Rotterd am Convention, it is considered of the utmost importance, in view of the 
relevance of this instrument and the growing risks and hazards posed by increased production and 
trade in chemical substances, to prohibit the use of certain toxic chemicals and to ex pand 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 D estruction Thereof of 24 December 1999 refers in Chapter  III, entitled 
"Licences and Permits", to the general rules concerning the procedure for the granting of licences 
and permits for activities involving the chemical substances listed in the CWC.  
 
Resol ution No.  32/2005 implements the supplementary regulations to Decree -Law No.  202 entitled 
"Regulations  for the Implementation of the National System for the Control of the Chemical 
Substances Listed in the CWC, the Granting of Licences and Permits, and Inf ormation Processing", 
Chapter III of which, including the first and second sections thereof, is devoted to explaining the 
procedures for the 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 relati ng to the Rotterdam Convention and prohibit or restrict the importation 
and industrial use of various chemicals.  
 
Under the above -mentioned legal instruments, licensing is compulsory for activities involving the 
use of substances listed therein.  
 
The contr olled substances are listed in the Annexes to these instruments. The Council of State (the 
legislature) has made licensing a statutory requirement and empowers the CITMA (the executive) 
to establish the terms and conditions for each system.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 14 - 
 
  Procedures  
6. 
 
I. 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 instead 
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, would be rejected in accordance with the established 
procedure .  
 
No activities have been conducte d in the country using Schedule 1 substances . 
 
II. Not applicable.  
 
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 the CNSQ  receives the commercial invoice . 
 
VI. Licences are issued for the date of importation indicated on the commercial invoice . 
 
VII. Decree -Law No.  202/99 and Resolution No.  32/2003 designate the CNSQ as the competent 
authority and specify that in cases where another type of authorization is required for the 
importation, manufacture or other uses of chemical substances, the processing a nd granting 
of licences will be contingent upon the authorization issued by that authority . 
 
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) Licence applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the scheduled date of importation . 
 
(b) In exceptional circumstances, the Director of the CNSQ  may authorize the granting of a  licence 
even when the application has not been submitted within the established time -frame . 
 
(c) Import licences cannot be granted immediately. They are issued for  only one substance, 
one import transaction, and when the importer presents the commercial invoice.  
 
(d) There are no limitations as to the period of the year during which the licence application may 
be submitted or the importation effected.  Decree -Law No. 202/99 and Resolution No.  32/2003 
designate the Secretariat of the National Authority for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 
(CEANPAQ) as the competent authority and specify that in cases where another type of 
authorization is required for the importa tion, manufacture or other uses of chemical 
substances, the processing and granting of licences will be contingent upon authorization 
being issued by that authority . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 15 - 
 
  8. Licence applications may be refused on the grounds of failure to meet the above criteri a 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 CNSQ  Authorization".  
 
Applicants have the right to appeal to the Dire ctor of the Office for Environmental Regulation and 
Nuclear Security 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 the Office for Environmental Regulation and 
Nuclear Security, 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 t here 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. Import ers 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. An application form for authorization to import chemical  substances listed in the CWC must be 
accompanied by the following:  
• photocopies of the decision appointing the director of the entity and the entity's charter;  
• photocopy of the certificate of registration with the National Register of Exporters and 
Importe rs 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 897 Cuban  pesos.  
 
13. The issuing of licences is not associated with any deposit or advance payment requirement apart 
from the application fee . 
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Import licences are valid for only 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. Yes, there are some other prior administrative procedures of this sort.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 16 - 
 
  1.5  National Bureau of Standards  (ONN)  
Outline of systems  
1. Technical authorization  is granted  by the  National Bureau  of Standards  (ONN), in its capacity as  
the competent national authority , following  verification  that the goods  being imported comply with 
the mandatory technical requirements . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. This procedure applies to all importing companies that market  product s classified as follows  
pursuant to  Resolution No. 30/2018 of the Ministry of Foreign trade and Investment :  
 
GROUP  A: Measuring instruments and equipment which are subject to metrological control 
under Cuban Standard NC -OIML-D19:94 "Pattern evaluation and approval" and for which the 
ONN is the competent national authority for evaluation, approval and registration.  
 
3. All countries.  
 
4. Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports . 
 
5. Decree -Law No.  183 of 23 February 19 98 and its regulatory decrees  Nos. 270 and 271 of 
10 January 20 01, and Resolution  No. 148 of 23 September  2014 of the  Director -General of the  
National Bureau of Standards . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Prior to entering into a  contra ct for the goods with the supplier . 
 
(b) No, because the documents and information 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 si ngle 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 complaint , with attached supporting documentation , in respect of  any breach  of 
terms of the contract  established  with the  ONN or the consequence s thereof , within 30 calendar days  
of the  breach . The ONN must examine  the complaint and respond  within  10 days of 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 m ust be 
referred  to the Economic Division of the competent  People's P rovincial 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. For Group  A products : 
 
Companies importing and exporting measuring instruments and equipment  subject  to pattern 
evaluation and approval  must apply to the ONN's Directorate of Met rology  for a pattern approval 
certificate , as established in the  "Procedure for the  pattern evaluation and approval of measuring 
instruments" . Once they have obtained  this certificate, they then h ave to apply for  technical 
authorization from the ONN's Marketing and Investment Department  (DCI)  for each contract, which G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 17 - 
 
  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 establish ed 
pattern evaluation and approval requirements .  
 
For Group B  products : 
 
Companies importing and exporting product s covered by  mandatory Cuban standards  must apply to 
the ONN's Marketing and Investment Department (DCI) for technical authorization  for each contract .  
 
Applications for  technical authorization  are submitted  to the  DCI on the official application form and 
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) mark certificate for products from  China ; 
• certificate of product conformity issued by a certification body;  
• any other document demonstrating compliance with international or regional standards . 
 
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 DCI reserves the right to  make  acceptance  of the application conditional upon submission by  
the applicant of all the technical information required for  evaluation . The contract  is signed at the 
time of  filing of the application . Applicants importing  products that do not have  a certificate of 
conformity demonstrating compliance with the relevant mandatory Cuban standard  must apply at 
least 30 calendar days ahead of time to the  Conformity Assessment Directorate  of the  ONN for batch 
certification  in accordance with the established p rocedures . Once these steps have been completed, 
the corresponding t echnical authorization  can be issued .  
 
11. The t echnical authorization , which must be presented to the Customs General of the Republic 
(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. Where no  payment  is forthcoming , the ONN sends  the corresponding  trade complaint  to the 
applicant , who  is required to review the contents and respond within 10 days of receipt. In the event 
of the failure of the applicant to make payment, the competent authority  will charge a penal ty of 
0.011% for each  day of delay , in line with the maximum default interest rates established pursuant 
to Decision  No. 41 of 14 May 2008 of the  Monetary Policy Committee  of the  Central Bank of Cuba , 
namely  4% p er year in Cuban pesos .  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. A licence is valid for one year. Its validity may be extended by following the same procedure as 
for the initial applica tion. If an applicant fails to submit the required technical documentation within  
30 working days of the date on which  the application was filed , the application will be cancelled . If 
an applicant fails to make payment within  30 days of the date of issue of the  pre-invoice , the 
technical authorization  will be cancelled . 
 
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. 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 18 - 
 
  Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
2  MINISTRY OF AGRICULT URE (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 person s expressly authorized by law to engage 
in international trade in goods and registered in the National Register of Importers and Exporters of 
the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba . This procedure is in conformity with the 
International Plant Prot ection Convention  (IPPC) under the FAO . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Import licences are granted for materials subject to quarantine (regulated items) that do not 
represent a danger to Cuban agriculture, in particular those intended for sowing, a nd fresh fruit and 
vegetables originating in fruit fly -free areas , but including those for other uses . 
 
3. The licensing system applies to all materials subject to quarantine (regulated items) originating 
in and coming from any country . 
 
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 approval 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 or rejection  of the 
application is notified within 30 days of the date on which it was submitted, although this 
period may vary under certain circu mstances. If goods arrive in the country without a permit 
or a licence, Decree No.  169/1992 on infringements will be applied . 
 
(b) No. 
 
(c) Applications for licences may be made during any period of the year. The period during which 
importation is authoriz ed, 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 (CNSB), the 
Centre for  Environmental Management and Inspection, or the Institute of Ecology and 
Systematics, to the National Centre for Plant Health (CNSV) .  
 
8. Licence applications may be refused if a pest risk analysis shows that the product to be imported 
represents a dange r 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 . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 19 - 
 
  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 in Annex III . 
 
11. The importer or its represe ntative 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 e stablished in Ministry  of Agriculture 
Resolution No.  2669/2005 .  
 
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 initial  application ; indicating  the number of the previous phytosanitary licence speeds up 
the formalities . 
 
15. There are no penalties . 
 
16. No, licences are not  transferable between importers . 
 
17. Not applicable . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Other procedural requirements . 
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
2.2  Institute of Soils  (IIS)  
Outline of systems  
1. A licence is 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 Fer tilizers  in order  to enter and be used in Cuba : 
 
• chemical fertilizers;  
• organic fertilizers;  
• biological fertilizers;  
• biostimulating fertilizers.  
3. They can originate in and come from any country . 
 
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 .  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 20 - 
 
  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 R egistration Authority for Fertilizers; and Ministry of 
Agriculture Resolution No.  322/2001 implementing the Central Registration Authority for 
Fertilizers, which sets out the documents to be submitted with an application for 
registration, the statutory pro cedures 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 system 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 aboli tion. 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable as there are no restrictions as to quantity or value . 
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on the importation of a product or on imports from a  particular 
country : 
 
(a) There are no minimum or maximum lengths of time;  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 . 
 
(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 ex perts composed of trained specialists 
representing a range of bodies . 
 
Eligibility of 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 accreditation 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 ; G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 21 - 
 
  • 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 the 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 the light of its features. The amount charged is based on the official 
price list drawn 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 crit eria 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 D ecree  No. 179/1993 "Protection, Use and Conservation 
of the Soil and Contraventions Thereof ". 
 
16. Licences are not transferable . 
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. As far as Cuba is  concerned, those laid down in relation to registrati on with the 
Central  Registration Authority for Fertilizers . 
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
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 health and which arrive in 
national territory by sea or  by air. 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The purpose s of licensing are protect ion of  national territory from the introduction of 
exotic  diseases ; prevent ion and control of animal diseases, including zoonose s; 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 : 
 
(a)  live domestic and wild animals  of protected species;  
(b)  product s of animal origin for consumption or for industria l, decorative , experimental or  
research  purposes ; 
(c)  microbial and parasitic agents that affect animal health ; 
(d)  vaccines , strains  and other similar products  used in veterinary medicine ;  
(e)  culture and diagnostic media with components  of animal origin ; and 
(f)  element s, product s and packaging  of any origin  capable of transmitting or carrying 
animal diseases . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 22 - 
 
  3. All countries.  
 
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 contra ct 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 ve hicles of any class  deemed to contain  
organisms, micro -organism s or other  animal -disease -carrying or animal -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 Ag riculture in conjunction with, and under the direction  of, the  Ministry  of 
Public Health . 
 
The Ministry 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 . 
 
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 certificat ion 
provided  by the  manufacturer .  
 
Eligibility of 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 presentati on of a power 
confirming their accreditation by the entity they represent .  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. All applications for authorization  to import animals must be accompanied by the certificat ion 
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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 23 - 
 
  13. There is no deposit requirement associated 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. Licences 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 authorit y for an inspec tion and sanitary certification visit of the establishments  wishing 
to export to Cuba  (MINAG, Directorate of Animal Health ) and for registration of  the product s in 
question (MINSAP , INHEM Food Register ).  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
3  MINISTRY OF THE ARME D 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 activities .  
 
3. It applies to imports from any country . 
 
4. Licensing does not restrict either the quantity or the value of imports. Its purposes are described 
in the fourth and fifth Whereas paragraphs  of Decree No.  269 of 9  March  2000 on space 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 implement ing 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 customs upon 
arrival in the country. Licences are required for hig h-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 parliamentary approval . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. Imports of GPS eq uipment 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 importation. In cases where imports have been effected and have a rrived 
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 recommend ed that a request for its renewal be made to the  ONHG.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 24 - 
 
  (c) There are no limitations of this sort.  
(d) Licence applications are processed solely by the ONHG, which, if necessary, consult s 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 the use of GPS technology. In all cases, applicants are notified of the reasons for the refusa l. 
Decree No.  269 and Resolution No.  90 do not provide for a right of appeal .  
 
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 importin g 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 : 
 
(a) date; 
(b) name of requesting entity ; 
(c) body to which it belongs ; 
(d) address of requesting entity ; 
(e) resolution establishing the requesting entity ; 
(f) corporate purpose of the requesting entity ; 
(g) person responsible for importation (natural person accountable to the entity requesting 
the licence) ; 
(h) geographical area in which the equipment will be used ; 
(i) technical tactical data concerning the equipment (including photos, wherever possible) ; 
(j) importing entity ; 
(k) applicant details  (name, surname and position) and signature.  
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. Licences 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 25 - 
 
  4  MINISTRY OF THE INTE RIOR  (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 m anufacturer and the body that regulates  their use. 
 
Licences are granted to properly established Cuban  legal persons . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing   
2. Analogue and digital closed circuit television (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 (ACS) of the following types: magnetic card, proximity, cod e, 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 apparatus . 
 
Central alarm receiving units and remote security system ma nagement 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; security 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; 
European  Standard high-security safes, grades 1, 2, 3 and 4; high-security safes, grades TL15, 
TL30, TL15X6, TL30X6, TRTL15X6, TRTL30X6 and TXTL60; high-security coded locks and keys; 
mechanical combination locks, groups 1, 1R and 2, for use with safes and vault doors; electronic 
combination locks; electro -mechanical locks a nd keys; electronically controlled code -operated safes; 
encoded electro -mechanic transponder systems for motor vehicle security; non -copiable security 
cylinders . 
 
3. The licensing system applies to goods from any country . 
 
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 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 . Import licensing is 
mandatory. 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 a licence must be requested, but the 
Protection Directorate has 15 working days from t he receipt of the application within which to 
issue its decision. Under exceptional circumstances, the period for examining the application 
may be shortened at the Directorate's discretion .  
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately on request . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 26 - 
 
  (c) No. 
 
(d) Consideration of licences is effected only by the Protection Directorate 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 applic ant 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  proces s. 
 
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 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 mode;  
(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 . 
 
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 administrative procedures are required prior to importation.  
 
19. Not applicable.   
 
4.2  Fire Protection Agency  (APCI)  
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 accordance 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 .  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 27 - 
 
  This procedure seeks to ascertain  that fire protection equipment compli es with the technical 
requirements set forth in the national and international rules in force . To our knowledge, no other 
country has an import licen sing system with this objective, with all the flexibility that such a process 
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.  
 
Product s are categorized  by specialized function.  
 
Categor ies: 
 
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 still demonstrate , by means of  document ation, sample s, 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 validity  will 
correspond  to that of a new product . 
 
Where the  product presented  has the same trade mark as a product  that has already been 
homologated  but was pr oduced 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 d esigns . 
- Exterior wall system d esigns . 
 
Construction materials  
- Air-conditioning systems and components  thereof : ducts , filters , connectors , dampers , 
acoustic material , sealants, adhesive s.  
- Construction materials : mineral wool and  insulation blankets , laminated wall panels , 
composite  wall panels , floor boards , wall coatings and finishes , floor coatings and finishes , 
fire-retardan t 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  lift doors , fire-resistant windows , glass blocks , 
decorative fabrics for other purposes , decorative false ceilings , etc. G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 28 - 
 
  Fire barrier systems and components  thereof   
- Intumescent paint (primer, undercoat and  topcoat ) for metal . 
- Fire-retardant paints and varnishes  (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 windows . 
- Fire-resistant drywall  panels . 
- Mineral  wool panels . 
 
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 charge s, fire extinguisher cabinets , boxes and covers .  
- Fire-extinguishing systems with dry extinguishing agents : powder, etc. 
- Fire-extinguishing 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 w ater-spray extinguishing systems . 
- Low-, medium - and high -expansion foam extinguishing systems . 
- Compressed air foam extinguishing systems . 
- Fittings , component s 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 (FHR s), hoses, nozzles , foam generators , 
proportioners , mixers,  monitors . 
- Sprinklers , 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, blankets . 
- Extinguishing agents.  
 
Fire ala rm systems and similar products  
- Intruder detection and alarm systems with fire-detection capability . 
- Fire detection and alarm systems : conventional , addressable , analogue , extinguishing , gas, 
etc. 
- Remot e supervision and monitoring devices . 
- Notification and alarm  devices : audible alarm s, visual alarm s, visual and audible  alarm s, 
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-explosion 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 module s, control  modules , isolator modules , etc. G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 29 - 
 
  - System integration computer programmes . 
- Computer programmes for in -system device programming . 
- Electrical cable s 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 o r without  signage , 
safety  decals , pictogram s, etc. , whether or no t photoluminescent . 
- Overcurrent protection : thermal, magnetic , fuses, combin ed, etc. 
- Surge  protection : data surge protectors , AC surge protectors . 
- Arc striking devices . 
- Passive protection system devices : Franklin lightning rod s, Faraday cage s, down conductors , 
electrod es, fasteners , lightning -strike counter s, 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 trade 
relations .  
 
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 used in the country , and of  materials and substances that pose  a 
fire safety risk . 
 
5. Technical Com munications 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 .  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) There is no requirement as to how far in advance certification  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 certification  requirements are clearly defined , substantiated  and understood . 
An application for c ertification  by the importing entities  is a pre-requisite  for entering into a 
purchase contract .  
 
(b) A licence cannot be granted immediately upon request . 
 
(c) There are no such limitations . 
 
(d) Consideration of applications  and grant ing of  certification  are effected solely  by the 
Fire Protection Agency  of the  Ministry of the Interior . 
 
8. A licence application 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 importers to apply for licence  
9. Legal persons, such as  the importers, producers, marketers and suppliers of such equipme nt in 
national territory , as well as  the Cuban, joint or foreign enterprises that use the equipment  and are 
authorized to import it for their 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 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 30 - 
 
  certification applicant if other than the su pplier . The documentation  listed hereunder is also required 
in the context of the application process . 
 
An evaluation requires s ubmission 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 
characteristics  and/or rating of the product ; 
• report on the  tests and trials conducted on the product  by the aforementioned  body, or by 
an accredited lab oratory and the results of which a re recogniz ed by the said body ; 
• physical samples  of the p roduct  (a minimum of one) . 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  informatio n 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 
characteristics . 
 
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 in 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 technical 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 31 - 
 
  5  MINISTRY OF PUBLIC H EALTH  (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 against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic 
Substances, 1988. By virtue of the implementation of the internat ional trade control -related 
provisions of these Conventions, in Cuba imports and exports of narcotic drugs, psychotropic 
substances, precursors and basic chemicals are subject to an import licensing system which is 
supplemented by a planning system coverin g medical, scientific and other legitimate needs, and a 
group of administrative measures aimed at preventing the possible diversion of these substances 
towards unlawful channels at any stage of their transit . 
 
All national entities (legal persons) operatin g with these substances are entered  in a central register 
at the  Control Unit for Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Other Similar Substances , which 
is the drug control department of the National Directorate of Medicines and Medical Technologies. 
These e ntities must  comply with the following requirements : be entered in the Register of Importers 
and Exporters of the Chamber of Commerce 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 .  
 
Purposes an d coverage of licensing  
2.(a) Narcotic drugs regulated by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 . 
 
(b) Psychotropic substances regulated by the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 . 
 
(c) 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 above -mentioned 
international conventions, to prevent the diversion of these substances from their lawful circulation 
channels, and to ensur e 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 wit hout 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 treaties in which 
all member States participate. The estim ates 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 international trade channels .  
 
The estimates system admin istered by the 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.(a) Ministerial Resolution No.  58 of 1967, Standards and Procedures f or the Control of  Narcotic 
Drugs, in accordance with the provisions of the Single Convention on Narcotic  Drugs, 1961 . 
 
(b) Ministerial Resolution No.  72 of 1990, which implements the provisions of the Convention on 
Psychotropic Substances, 1971 . 
 
(c) 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 Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 32 - 
 
  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 INCB  website. 
Once the estimates are known, the quotas are all ocated 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 required to obtain an import licence . 
 
II. Import quota size is de termined 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, the ir 
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 . 
 
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 i mport 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 
imple mentation 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  
Counte r-Narcotics Directorate of the  Ministry of the Interior .  
 
VIII. All applica tions 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 a nd 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 the requirements of the above -mentioned  convent ions. 
 
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 exporting 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.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 33 - 
 
  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 i mport licence applications is effected solely 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 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 indication of a risk to the country. Wherever 
possibl e, 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 the Control  Unit 
for Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Subs tances 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 Cuba  and the Central Customs Register of 
the Customs General of the Republic . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Applications for import licences must contain the following information : 
(a) name and legal domicile of the importer and exporter;  
(b) the entity's registration number in the National Register for the Monitoring of  
Controlled  Substances;  
(c) telephone number, fax number and e -mail address of the importer and exporter;  
(d) generic name of the narcotic drug, psych otropic substance or substance with 
similar  effect;  
(e) International Non -proprietary Name (INN), if any;  
(f) harmonized system code;  
(g) quantity of product with measurement units expressed in letters and numbers;  
(h) product description: presentation, pa ckaging, pharmaceutical form and dose of the 
product in the case of pharmaceutical preparations ; 
(i) international sales contract number, where appropriate ;  
(j) declaration as to the use and final destination of the substance, identifying the client or 
the user of the substance ; 
(k) in the case of imports of pharmaceutical preparations, the registration number issued 
by the Centre for State Control of Medicinal Product Quality ;  
(l) anticipated date of arrival of goods in the case of imports or anticipated  date 
of departure in the case of exports ; 
(m) 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 ; 
(n) date of application ; 
(o) signature of the director 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 exporting country's competent national authority for 
drug control . 
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 34 - 
 
  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. e ach time goods 
cross the border.   
 
16. Import l icences are not transferable . 
 
17. No other conditions are attached to the issue of a licence , unles s an official investigation or 
official supervision is required . 
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. No other administrative procedures are required prior to importation . 
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
5.2  National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology  (INHEM)  
Outline of systems  
1. The import licensing system is regulated by Ministry of Public Health ( MINSAP ) Resolutions  
Nos. 64/97, 128/98 and 275/2003 and the  relevant Regulations and  Indicator s Handbook , which 
establish es the list of goods  subject to i mport licensing . The licensing system is administered by the 
Department of Sanitary Registration and Control  of the National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology 
and Microbiology ( INHEM ). 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Imports of all  registered product s are subject to automatic licensing during the  three  years  of 
their certificatio n; imports of new  product s applying for  first-time sanitary registration  are subject 
to non -automatic licensing .  
 
3. The system applies to goods  originating in and coming from  all countries.  
 
4. Automatic import licences are used for statistical purposes while non-automatic import licenses  
are used  to administer the import restrictions applied in accordance with current sanitary legislation.  
 
5. The sanitary licensing and sanitary registration  system s are statutorily required . The system s may 
be suspended when deemed appropriate . A notice to that effect is published in the Official  Journal.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Licence applications must be submitted at least one week  prior to importation . Licences  may 
be obtained within a shorter time -limit as well as  for goods arriving at port without a licence . 
 
(b) In certain circumstances, a pre-arranged licence can be granted immedi ately on request 
subject to detention of the goods at destination . 
 
(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) The importer only has to approach one admi nistrative body about an application . 
 
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 . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 35 - 
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. All persons, firms and institutions are eligible to apply for licences . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. A sample application form is available for consultation  in the Secretariat . Importers are required 
to submit the following documents with their applications : contract with the supplier , technical 
specifications of the product , required product certifications , sample of no commercial value of each 
product  for the required laboratory analyses , and product label s. 
 
11. Upon actual importation, an importer is required to submit the approved import licence or a copy 
thereof . 
 
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 . 
 
13. There is an advance payment requirem ent associated with the issue  of licences in accordance 
with the established rate.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. A licence is valid for three years from the date of issue . The period of validity may be extended  
by submitting a new application  for the product , together with the related documentation . 
 
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. There are no other conditions attached to the issue of a licence . 
 
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, market er 
or controlling entity prior to issuing  the 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.  
 
5.3  Centre for State Control of Medicines and Medical Equipment and Devices  (CECMED)  
5.3.1   Control of imports of medicines for human use   
Outline of systems   
1. Regulation  by import control is the means employed  by the Ministry of Public Health  (MINSAP ) 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. Covers medicines for human use . 
 
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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 36 - 
 
  4. Licensing is intended to prevent the commercial importation of m edicines 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 . 
 
5. MINSAP Ministerial Resolution  No. 65 of 2003 and CECMED Resolution  No. 83 of 20 03. The 
procedure is mandatory for the products covered . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. There are no restrictions as to the quantity or value of the medicines; a licence is 
awarded strictly on health grounds. The regulations and procedures are published on  the authority's 
website at  http://www.cecmed.cu . 
 
7.(a) 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 
five working days to issue the permit following receipt of t he 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) Not applicable, a certificate is delivered  for each individual shipment . 
 
(d) No. 
 
8. An application for a licence may be refused if the products are not registered; if the expiry date 
or shelf -life of medicines for human use is less than one year following entry into Cuba; or 
if medicines for hum an use are not labelled as required in Spanish (including the patient information 
leaflet), regardless of whether or not the relevant information appears in another language, 
in accordance with the current r equirements governing  applications for entry in a nd renewal of and 
amendments to entries in the Register of medicines for human use .  
 
The applicant is notified of the reasons for the refusal . 
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Authorized /accredited importers may import medicines .  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Form issued by the authority . 
 
11.(a) Import certificate application on the relevant official form (original and two copies);  
 
(b) Document attesting to the quality of each of the batch es 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 respon sibility for the quality of the batches;  
 
(c) Samples or photocopies of the labels 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 in A rticle 8(2); 
(d) 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 used prior to  their expiry . 
 
If, at the time of submitting an import certificate application , the applicant does not possess  the 
documents referred to i n point 2 of this response , import may be authorized subject to the retention 
of the goods. T he documents will need to be submitted at a later date as part of an application for 
clearance of the batches so that the goods can be distributed . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 37 - 
 
  The CECMED  reserves the right to request additional information of any kind where it deems it 
relevant to do so . 
 
12. The procedure costs 25  Cuban pesos . 
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. An import certificate is issued f or each shipment and covers th e 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 . 
 
No extension  is possible; under the relevant regulations , when medicines 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.  
 
5.3.2   Control of cross -border movement of samples of biological material  
Outline of systems  
1. The control of cross -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 samples 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, urine, sweat, semen, nasopharyngeal and 
vaginal  exudates, and cerebrospinal fluid), micro -organisms and other  element s that may pose a 
risk to human health . 
 
3. The system applies to material originating in and coming from any country . 
 
4. Not applicable.  
 
5. 
(a) MINSAP Ministerial Resolution No.  132 of 2004 . 
(b) Health  Protection Regulation Bureau (BRPS) Resolution  No. 8 of 2007 . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable , there is no restriction as to quantity or value ; this is a health monitoring  system . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 38 - 
 
  7.(a) 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 
CECMED  to obtain a licence as quickly as possible provided that the requirements have been 
satisfied . 
 
(c) No. 
 
(d) Not under this system; however products of this type are subject to regulation by other bodies 
and sometimes a single  product requires more than one licence (CITMA, IMV) before it can be 
removed from Customs . 
 
8. The circumstances under which an application may be refused are within the ordinary criteria  - if 
the product in question poses a risk to health or does not sat isfy the conditions laid down for its 
transportation . 
 
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. Form issued by the authority . 
 
(a) 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 (licence 
number ). 
 
(b) Technical report from the Haematology and Immunology Institute for samples 
of bone marrow . 
 
(c) Notification from the Vice -Ministry of Health Care for samples for clinical 
diagnostic  purposes . 
 
(d) For human DNA samples, official notification from the CNGM stating that the 
control  samples have been deposited . 
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of li censing  
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 been approve d by the 
MINSAP CITMA Committee, which requires a number  of licences from other bodies . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 39 - 
 
  19. Not applicable.  
 
5.3.3   Import of 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  
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 Centre for State Control of Medicinal  Product Quality 
or the Health Registration, Control and Qua lity Department, as  appropriate . 
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. The licensing system c overs raw materials, medicines for human use, diagnostic devices, 
cosmetics and items for personal or domestic use of animal origin or containing c omponents of 
animal origin . 
 
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. Licensing is intended to prevent the entry into Cuban territory of r aw materials, medicines for 
human use, diagnostic devices, cosmetics and items for personal or domestic use of animal origin 
or containing components of animal 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. 8 of 2007 . The procedure is mandatory for the 
covered products . 
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable. There are no restrictions as to the quantity or value of the medicines; licences  are 
awarded strictly on health grounds. The regulations and procedures are published on the authority's 
website at http:// www.cecmed.cu . 
 
7. Where there is no quantitative limit on the importation of a product or on imports from a particular 
country : 
 
(a) The application for an import certificate for medicines 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 t he same 
contract and shipment. T he CECMED has up to five days to issue the licence following receipt 
of the app lication . 
 
(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) Not applicable, a certificate is delivered for e ach individual shipment . 
 
(d) No. Depend ing on the product, applications are considered by CECMED  or, in the case of  
cosmetics , by the Health Registration, Control and Quality Department at the INHA . 
 
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 . 
 
No appeal is provided for in the regulations . However,  depending on the reasons for the refusal, the 
applicant must demonstrate tha t the product does not pose a risk to health .  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 40 - 
 
  Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. Authorized/accredited importers may import medicines . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. Form issued by the authority . 
 
11.(a) Import certificate application on the relevant official form (original and two copies ). 
 
(b) Certificates from the official veterinary services of the country of origin containing the 
information set out in the Third Paragraph of and in Annex 2 to M inistry of Agriculture and 
Ministry of Public Health Joint Resolution No.  2/2001 . 
 
(c) Copies of the analysis certificates for each of the product batches included in the application . 
 
(d) Express permission or authorization from the Ministry of Public Health for med icines 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 : 
 
a. Product data :  
• generic name;  
• trade name;  
• pharmaceutical form and strength (for medicines);  
• product type (for cosmetics and items for personal or domestic use);  
• presentation;  
• manufacturer;  
• country;  
• marketing entity . 
 
b. Quality specification s or technical standard applicable to  the product . 
c. Assessment of suppliers and reasoning behind the choice made . 
d. Batch release certificate issued by the regulatory authority of the country of origin . 
Express  permission or authorization from the Ministry of Public Health for raw materials used in the 
manufacture of medicines or cosmetics that are unregistered or for which no provisional marketing 
licence has been issued .  
 
In this case, the following informati on must also be submitted : 
 
a. Product data :  
• generic name ; 
• trade name ; 
• physical state ; 
• presentatio n; 
• manufacturer ; 
• country ; 
• marketing entity.  
 
b. Quality specifications or technical standard applicable to the product . 
c. Assessment of suppliers and reasoning behind the choice made . 
d. Batch release certificate issued by the medicines regulatory authority of the country 
of origin . G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 41 - 
 
  For products  undergoing research and development , the import licence application must be 
supplemented either upon or prior to submissio n by an explanation from the research entity as to 
the use of the raw materials or the product in question .  
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. The procedure costs 25 Cuban pesos . 
 
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 
clarific ations that may interfere with its proper interpretation. A licence cannot be extended . 
 
15. No. The penalties provided for relate to the possibility of unlicensed hazardous products entering 
the country . 
 
16. Not applicable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other pr ocedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
6  MINISTRY OF LABOUR A ND SOCIAL SECURITY  (MTSS)  
6.1  Centre for the Certification of Personal Protective Equipment  
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 its 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 the 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 worker s 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 
functi oning and used exclusively therewith, including:  
 
(a) 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;  
 
(b) personal protective equipment acquired in connection with different technology 
projects, for example protective clothing that comes with refrigerating equipment , 
protective devices for welding equipment, etc. to test their protective characteristics ; 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 42 - 
 
  (c) surgical gloves and lead aprons for x -ray exposure used in public health.  
 
The following are not included: protective equipment designed exclusively for use by the armed 
forces, fire services, sport ing 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 nevertheless undergo the relevant technical analysis  before it can be used . 
 
3. All countries.  
 
4. The procedure seeks  to ensure compliance with the protective requirement s of the equipment  
marketed  in the country for use by workers, and is in no way intended to restrict the quantity of 
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 documentary. 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 l egal 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 Gen eral Raúl 
Castro Ruz , which states that the functions of the Centre shall be to register 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 on 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 Feb ruary  2013, which  specifies that the Centre for the Certification 
of Perso nal Protective Equipment is responsible for organizing and implementing, as 
appropriate, all activities relating to the validation of equipment of this type to be distributed 
and use d by workers in Cuba.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7. 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.   
 
(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 for m. 
 
(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 . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 43 - 
 
  (d) There is only one administrative body.  
 
8. An application for registration may be refused where : 
 
(a) the equipment in question is not the workers' personal protective equipment under the 
criteria referred to above ; 
(b) the document s or samples delivered by the applicant do not satisfy the requirements  or 
when there are discrepancies between them ; 
(c) the documentation presented  is shown to have been subject to fraud or alteration . 
 
The applicant is notified of the report in such case s and may appeal to the next highest level of the 
MTSS  as stipulated in the contract concluded between the parties .  
 
Eligibility of importers to apply for licence  
9. MTSS Resolution No.  7 of 2013 provides  that legal personality to engage in registration p rocedures 
is vested in importers, producers and marketers of personal protective equipment; and in any 
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 requ ired to that end and satisfy the other 
requirements . 
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. For registration of the entity : 
 
(a) the information requested  in Form  1 delivered by the authority ; 
(b) tor 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 
attached ; 
(c) tor 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;  
(d) Cuban producers or trading entities must attach a copy of the MINCIN Central 
Commercial Registration to their application . 
 
For registration and approval of the equipment : 
 
(a) the information listed in Form  2; 
(b) declaration of conformity by the equipment's manufacturer ; 
(c) approval certificate issued by an accredited independent laboratory in the country 
of origin  or a third country ;  
(d) techn ical fact sheet on the equipment ; 
(e) physical  sample  of the equipment with minimum marking  for the purposes 
of identification (trademark, model 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 : 
 
(a) equipment in Category  I: 5 years ; 
(b) equipment in Category  II: 4 year s; 
(c) equipment in Category  III: 3 years . 
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 44 - 
 
  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 . 
 
7  NATIONAL INSTITUTE O F HYDRAULIC RESOURCE S (INRH)  
7.1  National Hydraulic Works Directorate   
Outline of systems  
1. Agreement No.  3954 on Administrative Control , adopted by the  Executive Committee of the 
Council of Ministers on  26 March  2001, confers duties and powers on the National Institute of 
Hydraulic Resources (INRH) that  include the planning, regulation and control of hydraulic resour ces 
and the operation, technical oversight and maintenance of hydraulic works and installations .  
 
Agreement No.  5 of 9 July 2005 of the  Drought Task Force encharges the INRH with promulgating 
regulation s prohibiting the importation of water -intensive sanitation equipment, fittings and 
furnishings, in line with worldwide trends and existing  legislation .  
 
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 provide s 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 .  
 
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. The import licensing system is applied on the basis of the above -mentioned classification to goods 
from all countries without exception . 
 
4. The licensing procedure is not inten ded 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 R esolution  No. 655/2009 . 
 
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 requirements have been met . 
 
(c) Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 45 - 
 
  (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 -served 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. Not applicable.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for licence  
10. The forms issued by  the authority are for : 
 
(a) the importation of pumps ; 
(b) 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.  
 
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 84281000), and escalators 
and moving walkways for transporting people (HS 84284000), 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. T heir purpose is to 
ensure the necessary safety requirements for the transportation of passengers and goods.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 46 - 
 
  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. Licensing 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 d esignated as the body responsible for this type of technology in Cuba.  
 
Procedures  
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 applicati ons 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  applicant will be 
notified of the reasons for refusal and of the possibility of appealing this decision before the General 
Directorate of the Ministry of Industry.  
 
9. All importing entities are eligible to apply for authorization, provided that they have  been 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 an d descriptive 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 an d 
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 diagram 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.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 47 - 
 
  • 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 n ecessary to submit these documents if the equipment has been registered.  
 
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 structure 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 distance , 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 approved.  
 
11. The pro cedure 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 procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
9  MINISTRY OF ENERGY A ND 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 end -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 
authority in charge will grant technical a uthorization 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 the technical acceptance is valid.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 48 - 
 
  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 imported, manufactured 
or assembled in Cub a by national or foreign legal persons, with a view to promoting the rational and 
efficient use of electricity and ensuring consumer protection t hrough the use of highly 
energy -efficient and good quality equipment.  
 
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).  
• Microwa ve 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. All countries.  
 
4. Licensing does not restrict the quantity or value of imports. It 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 technical authorization.  
(c) There are no limitations.  
(d) Consideration of applications is effected solely by the authority in charg e. 
 
8. The following constitute general violations to this regulation:  
 
• 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 un dertaken, as set forth in existing legislation in this area.  
In the event of either of the above -mentioned violations, 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 authority in charge will have 30 working days from when it becomes aware of a violation to 
apply the above -mentioned penalties.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 49 - 
 
  Eligibility of importe rs 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.  
 
Documentation al 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 equi pment in laboratories recogniz ed by the competen t authority.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
14. Technical acceptance is valid 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 equipment'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 mak e 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.  
 
10  MINISTRY OF INFORMAT ICS AND COMMUNICATIO NS (MINCOM)  
10.1  General Directorate of Communications (DGC)  
Outline of systems  
 
1. Technical au thorization issued by the Ministry of Informatics and Communications for imports of 
telecommunications equipment and devices, which must be approved by the customs authority for 
the purposes of importation.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensing  
2. Licensing seeks 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) equi pment.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 50 - 
 
  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 systems; videophones (HS 85.17).  
• 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 soun d recording 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 a pparatus 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. All countries.  
 
4. There is no restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Its purpose is to maintain technical 
compatibility with networks.  
 
5. Joint Resolution MINCEX -MIC No. 1 of 2003 and MINCOM Resolution No. 272 of 2015.  
 
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 constitute general violations to these regulations:  
 
• Arrival at a Cuban port or airport of telecommunications equipment that has not received 
valid technical acceptance from MINCOM.  
• Non-compliance with the obligations undertaken, as set forth in existing legislation 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 products under 
these subheadings.  
 
Documentational and other requirements for application for l icence  
 
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. G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 51 - 
 
  13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of licensing  
 
14. Technical acceptance is valid for one year.  
 
15. Not applicable.  
 
16. They are not transferable.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
 
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
11  MINISTRY OF CONSTRUC TION  
11.1  Directorate of Standardization  
Outline of systems  
1. Directive No. 1 for assessing the technical suitability of non -traditional products and construction 
systems, and its regulations, and Directive No. 2 for the conformity certification of traditional 
construction products and systems. The technical suitability document (DITEC) is the official 
document issued for a construction product or system once it has su ccessfully 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 ot her aspects of society in 
general. To this end, constructions must meet certain requirements that can 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.  
- Perfectly 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 k ey 
requirements.  
 
3. All countries.  
 
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 fo r all entities that 
import the products or systems described above.  
 
Procedures  
6. Not applicable.  
 
7.(a) Prior to signing the contract of sale with the supplier.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 52 - 
 
  (b) No, an evaluation will be conducted by the Technical Centre for the Development of 
Constr uction 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 co nsideration of the 
opinions of the rapporteur 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:  
 
(a)  The product or system is defective;  
(b)  The holder does not comply with the regulations or meet the conditions established in 
the DITEC;  
(c)  The original text is misused;  
(d)  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;  
(e)  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 vi ew to the temporary suspension or invalidation of 
the document, notify 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 available 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 wri ting and must contain the express commitment to respect the 
obligations 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. Applicati ons must 
be accompanied by the following information:  
 
(a)  Name and identification of the product or system.  
(b)  Name and distinctive mark of the manufacturer.  
(c)  Main characteristics of the product or system that determine its suitability for use 
(in accordance with essential construction requirements).  
(d)  Scope.  
(e)  Packing, packaging, labelling and marking requirements.  
(f)  Handling, transportation and storage requirements.  
(g)  Rules on maintenance and repair.  
(h)  Technical information regardin g usage.  
(i)  Results of tests conducted by accredited entities and of in -factory testing, which should 
at least cover aspects relating to the essential construction requirements.  
(j)  Documents concerning the relevant quality system.  
(k)  Characteristics of production, processing and manufacturing control centres.  
(l)  References to use in works that are completed or under construction.  
(m)  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 the manufacturing characteristics of the 
various establishments. Where deemed necessary, a specific report shall be req uested for each 
production centre.  
 
11. The DITEC.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 53 - 
 
  12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 
Conditions of l icensing  
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 p rovided 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 requirem ents 
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable.  
 
12  MINISTRY OF TRANSPOR T 
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 i s 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 prov ision of services in the various transport sectors and in port activities do not 
compromise the safety of human beings, animals, property 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 taken by a competent 
authority to recogni ze officially, through a document issued for this purpose, that:  
 
(a) certain assembli es, 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 ; 
 
(b) the workshops, laboratories and other installations engaged in production and in the 
provision of services meet the necessary technical and technological requirements, 
which together with the knowledge and professional skills of their employees, mak e it 
possible to ensure that such establishments are suitably qualified to carry out their work 
and provide the necessary quality and guarantees.  
 
Entities engaged in importation, marketing, production and the provision of services are required to 
ensure t he 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/ 9 
 
- 54 - 
 
  The system applies to new or retreaded tyres, welding electrodes, lifting devices and port fenders, 
with a vie w 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. All countries  that wish to export the said products to Cuba . 
 
4. The licens ing 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 
method s were considered, since those used were effective in meeting th e objectives pursued.  
 
5. MINTRANS Resolution No. 90 -1992 
 MINCEX Resolution No. 30 7-2004 
MINTRANS Resolution No. 293-2014 
 
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.  In the case of goods  arriving at the port 
without a licence , the approval formalities can take place 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:  
 
(a) Product name and identification.  
(b) Name and distinctive mark of the manufacturer.  
(c)  Main characteristics of the product or system that determine its suitability for use 
(in accordance with essential requirements).  
(d)  Scope.  
(e)  Technical information regarding usage.  
(f)  Results of tests conducted by accredited entities and of in -factory te sting, which should 
at least cover aspects relating to key requirements.  
(g)  Documents concerning the relevant quality system.  
(h)  Characteristics of production, processing and manufacturing control centres.  
(i)  Certificates issued by authorized institu tions and any other information considered 
useful.  
 
11. The certificate of approval issued by the competent authority.  
 
12. Not applicable.  
 
13. Not applicable.  
 G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 55 - 
 
  Conditions of licensing  
14. The certificate of app roval is valid for three years, subject to a nnual supervision and confirmation 
that the conditi ons under which it was issued  have been maintained . 
 
The certificate of app roval 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.  
 
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 
system, under which importers may obtain a numbered document that constitutes an import 
certificate.  
 
Purposes and coverage of licensi ng 
2. Licensing seeks to control cultural heritage with a view to its preservation, and to prevent the 
illegal trafficking of cultural property, in accordance with the legislation in force in Cuba and the 
international agreements to which our country is pa rty. 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.  
• Collectio ns or objects of scientific interest.  
• 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 origina l objects and works, and reproductions 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.  
• Archiv es, 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 s imilar 
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.  
 
3. The system applies to cultural and/or heritage property originating in and coming from any 
country.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
- 56 - 
 
  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 prop erty 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 Safeguarding 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 requ ire 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 li mitations.  
 
(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 the CITES Convention, proper ty of outstanding significance, or 
property of uncertain origin, the matter is put to the consideration of the CITES authority of 
the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment (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 h eritage 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 requirem ents for application for licence  
10. Applicants must provide the following information, 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, an 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. institution al, private, diplomatic . 
• The purpose of importation.  
• The particulars of the carrier, including their passport number.  
• The country of origin and the authorization issued by that country where required.  
• Mode of importation.  G/LIC/N/3/CUB/ 9 
 
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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 and verify it.  
 
12. The applica ble 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 detai ned pending compliance with import formalities, the carrier may 
endorse the document only once.  
 
17. Not applicable.  
 
Other procedural requirements  
18. Not applicable.  
 
19. Not applicable . 
 
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