General Customs Office

Cuban customs is a system of agencies that direct, carry out and monitor the application of state and government policy on customs matters. It also collects customs duties and, within its jurisdiction and competence, confronts actions that have an impact on international commerce, travelers, postal services and the goods they transport. The Customs Office has the responsibility of preventing, detecting and fighting fraud and contraband, as well as contributing to national and international environmental protection.

Among its main duties are safeguarding Cuban society from the illegal trafficking of armaments, explosives, drugs, and chemicals, objects which are part of the national heritage, protected species and more. It works to stop tax evasion and other economic fraud and collects budget contributions established by the state's fiscal policy.

Cuba was a founding member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor to the World Trade Organization; of the World Customs Organization, previously called the Customs Cooperation Council; and the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI). It has signed more than 50 international customs agreements and conventions, covering the prevention of unlawful acts within its borders as well as customs inspections of travelers, goods and international transportation vehicles.

The national customs system is vertically organized and structured, composed of the General Customs Office of the Republic, local offices in each geographical area and independent customs offices subordinate to the Council of Ministers.

Cuban customs legislation is based on the provisions of the International Agreement for the Simplification of Customs Systems, known as the Kyoto Convention, which Cuba signed in November 1995.

In order to carry out its duties, the Cuban General Customs Office operates in every port, airport, and post office open to the international traffic of merchandise and travelers.

Upon their arrival in Cuba aboard ships and airplanes, travelers are met by customs agents, whose job it is to offer friendly and respectful treatment at all times as well as the necessary information to passengers and crews, so that customs procedures may be carried out smoothly. Tourists entering Cuba are subject to the provisions of the Convention on Customs Facilities for Tourism.

Upon your arrival in the country, if you have any questions about what can or can't be imported, or the method of declaring it or evaluating its worth, you should consult any available customs agent in the baggage rooms and exits of the country's airports and ports.

(Taken from: Cubasí)

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Copyright © Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Cuba, 2003