🇨🇺 Import Customs & Duties: Cuba
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$0
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
CIF value + duty. ISV (Impuesto sobre las Ventas) at 10% on imports. Additional special contributions may apply on certain categories.
Clearance Time
7-30 days
typical processing
Note: Very restrictive import rules; high duties on most goods
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 15-30% (plus special contributions up to 100%) | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 15-30% (plus special contributions) | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 15-30% (plus special contributions) | HS 64 |
| Food products | 10-30% (rice 10%, meat 20%, dairy 15%, processed food 15-30%) | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 5-15% (industrial 5%, household appliances 15%) | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 15-30% (perfumes 30%, skincare 15%) | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 15-30% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Customs Clearance Process
Aduana General de la República de Cuba (aduana.gob.cu). ALL packages opened and inspected, 100% inspection rate. State-controlled customs system. US sanctions severely limit what can be sent from the US (limited exceptions under OFAC licenses). Personal imports limited to specific weight/value allowances, duty-free up to ~$50, then progressive duties up to 100%. Duties assessed on both value AND weight. ISV (sales tax) at 10% on top.
What to Actually Expect
EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. US sanctions severely limit shipping, no regular service from US (limited OFAC exceptions). 100% inspection of all packages. Personal import allowances strict, ~$50 duty-free, then progressive duties up to 100% of value. Packages from abroad take 4-8 weeks and may be opened, partially confiscated, or lost. Weight-based duties apply beyond allowances. No DHL/FedEx/UPS consumer service. Cuban postal system unreliable. Best shipping routes through third countries (Panama, Mexico, Canada). Household goods limited to specific approved list. Personal effects capped at 125 kg/year.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Virtually all commercial imports require state authorization. Private individuals limited to personal imports only. Pharmaceuticals, electronics, and many consumer goods heavily restricted. State enterprises (empresas estatales) control most imports. Household goods limited to specific approved list. Personal effects limited to 125 kg per year.
Certificate of Origin
Required for all commercial imports. Issued by the Chamber of Commerce of the exporting country. Cuban Chamber of Commerce (CCCC, Cámara de Comercio de Cuba) handles trade documentation. Very limited FTA network.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Cuba:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $50 | $10 | $60 |
| $100 | $100 | $20 | $120 |
| $200 | $200 | $40 | $240 |
| $500 | $500 | $100 | $600 |
| $1000 | $1000 | $200 | $1200 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Cuba
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Cuba?
Cuba has no duty-free threshold. All imported goods are subject to duties regardless of their value.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Cuba?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Cuba is 10%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty. ISV (Impuesto sobre las Ventas) at 10% on imports. Additional special contributions may apply on certain categories.
How long does customs clearance take in Cuba?
Typical customs clearance in Cuba takes 7-30 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Cuba?
To import into Cuba, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Cuba?
Cuba prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.