The new provisions of the General Customs of Cuba on imports of individuals with a non-commercial nature have been announced this Thursday. The official Gazette specifies that Cubans will be able to import up to five cell phones –of two that were allowed–, two electric generators, two motorines and a third if it is through cargo shipment, in addition to two electric bicycles.
“That does not solve the great problem of the economy. The commercial nature must be extended to all people who want to establish small and large businesses with all the freedom that exists in the world,” Pavel Otero, a musician from Havana, told the publication. in the official media Cubadebate. “You have to think big and not in trifles.”
As part of the provisions, which come into force as of August 15, it is warned that the non-commercial nature of imports has to do with “the functions of an article” and that the reiteration of imports “does not show commercial purpose”. In case of incurring in this practice, the General Customs may confiscate the products.
This measure is also a severe blow to the mules who travel abroad to buy all kinds of products and resell them on the island’s black market. Despite very high prices, this informal trade has given Cubans a break. Personal hygiene products, food and medicine are tax-free until December due to a government resolution that freed them from paying taxes.
As part of the provisions, which come into force as of August 15, it is warned that the non-commercial nature of imports has to do with “the functions of an article” and that the reiteration of imports “does not show the business purpose”
“How crazy people are: ‘Non-commercial’ in a country that doesn’t have anything and doesn’t produce anything. Of course, most of those items are going to end up in sales of garages and others. Just open completely and do not give more detours, “he also commented on Cubadebate the netizen identified as Altair Urizen.
The new regulations ratified what was announced by Gil regarding the increase in the import limit through shipments, from 10 to 20 kilos, the decrease in the tariff per imported kilo, from 20 dollars to 10 dollars, as well as the exemption from payment of taxes up to three kilos for the articles to which the value-weight is applied and the reduction of 30% to the customs tax, which is currently 100%.
On the importation of motor vehicle parts and accessories, it is specified that the quantity must not exceed that required by a vehicle for its repair and maintenance”. In the case of tires, up to five light car tires, seven heavy vehicle tires and three motorcycle or moped.
Customs also allows up to three computers, laptop, tablets and network devices including accessories or peripherals for computer equipment (mouse, keyboards or others). “For the memories flashthe parts and pieces of computers, mobile and fixed telephony, printers, photocopiers and other equipment, the value-weight alternative is used, and provided that there is diversity in the products”.
Customs classifies as “miscellaneous”: footwear, clothing, food, personal and household items, jewelry, perfumery and the like, and specifies that their importation is allowed only if the products are of different types.
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