The Cuban regime again extends tariff exemptions for non-commercial imports of food, toiletries, and medicines., the official media reported cubadebate.
The measure is announced amid the profound crisis facing Cubans within the island, given the critical situation of the national electricity system and shortages across the board.
While this mechanism initially appeared to be a temporary solution to widespread shortages, it has become a mere patch in the face of the dictatorship's ineffectiveness in guaranteeing its citizens basic products and a decent life.
The extension originally published in the official Gazette Extraordinary Resolution No. 13 of April 25, 2025, responds to Resolutions 139 and 140 of the Ministry of Finance and Prices. It allows citizens to import food, cleaning products, medicines, medical supplies, and power plants without paying customs duties and will remain in effect until at least September 30.
Likewise, the Ministry of Public Health has exceptionally authorized the duty-free importation of medicines and health supplies in original packaging until the same date.
Cuban authorities have said the measure aims to ensure Cubans have access to basic necessities, but they lament that many of these imports end up being sold on the black market.
At the same time, the General Customs of the Republic has warned that it will strengthen controls to prevent imports from being used for profit, he said. Diary of Cuba.
It's important to remember that in the first three months of this year alone, Customs seized around nine tons of basic necessities, including medicines, which the Cuban state is unable to guarantee.
This resolution, signed by Vladimir Regueiro Ale, Minister of Finance and Prices, will take effect on May 1, 2025. With this, the Cuban government is attempting to present an urgent measure as a pre-sale, a gift it is giving to the people, whom it has been plunging into poverty for decades.
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