The desperation due to the lack of electricity has provoked the first amendment to the package of measures “to save the Cuban economy” that in reality simply made the importation of some non-commercial items to Cuba more flexible. The provisions of the General Customs of the Republic came into force on August 15 and allowed up to two power plants with maximum power of up to 15,000 watts to be brought to the Island, upon payment of the 30% tax.
But the document had foreseen market prices very different from the real ones, for which the Government has issued a new rule that corrects the previousaccording to which units of up to 900 watts were allowed for $200, from 900 to 1,500 for $500 and greater than 1,500 for $950.
“When assessing the effects on the residential sector that still persist, as a result of the energy deficit caused by breakdowns in the national electricity system, it is necessary to temporarily authorize the importation of power plants with a power greater than 900 watts, whose reference value in Customs exceeds the maximum value of two hundred (200) United States dollars allowed to import via air, sea, postal and non-commercial courier shipments”, specifies the new resolution, published this Monday in the Official Gazette.
The situation requires “authorizing, exceptionally, the non-commercial import, above the value established for air, sea, postal and courier shipments, of power plants with a power greater than 900 watts, which are presented to dispatch of the General Customs of the Republic until December 31, 2022”.
In addition, a 30% rate will be applied for the payment of the customs tax to the excess of the load that corresponds to be taxed.
In addition, a rate of 30% will be applied for the payment of the customs tax to the excess of the load that corresponds to tax.
Currently, it is possible find few offers of generators that exceed 900 watts at less than 500 dollars neither in the US markets nor in those of Panama, some of the most popular destinations among the mules and Cuban travelers who go abroad to look for electronic or technological products that are absent on the Island.
The measure reflects the urgency of the Government to try to tackle the blackouts and power outages that are bringing so much discomfort and protests to the population. However, the patch has limitations.
The biggest consumers of this type of device, with such high power, will not be so much the homes as the small businesses that need to stay afloat in the midst of the growing crisis, but the shortage of fuel predicts difficulties in supplying the equipment. There are many service centers that currently limit the sale of gasoline in containers, although it is not difficult to find workers who skip the norm and provide the liquid in exchange for a consideration, as long as it is available. In addition, its storage is considered potentially dangerous, and it can cause fires if it is done incorrectly.
In addition, the high cost of plants reduces the possibilities of buying and importing them. Even so, those who manage to do so will see their homes light up in front of those who lack any possibility of doing so.
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