Basic information
Outline of the system
Approval or certification of assemblies, accessories and parts for motor vehicles, railway vehicles, ships and boats, and of workshops, laboratories and other installations engaged in production and in the provision of services in the various transport sectors and in port activities, in accordance with the provisions in force and the international agreements to which the Republic of Cuba is party.
Product coverage
Its purpose is to ensure that assemblies, accessories and parts for motor vehicles, railway vehicles, ships and boats, and workshops, laboratories and other installations engaged in production and in the provision of services in the various transport sectors and in port activities do not compromise the safety of human beings, animals, property or the environment, or other aspects of society in general. To this end, products must meet certain requirements that can reliably ensure an adequate level of safety.
Approval is considered to be the action, with all the effects thereof, that is taken by a competent authority to recognize officially, through a document issued for this purpose, that:
- certain assemblies, accessories and parts for motor vehicles, railway equipment, ships and boats, or materials for the repair thereof, or for means and equipment used to transport freight or goods, meet the quality requirements and characteristics stipulated for their use;
- the workshops, laboratories and other installations engaged in production and in the provision of services meet the necessary technical and technological requirements, which together with the knowledge and professional skills of their employees, make it possible to ensure that such establishments are suitably qualified to carry out their work and provide the necessary quality and guarantees.
Entities engaged in importation, marketing, production and the provision of services are required to ensure the submission for approval of the products and services described, and to use, produce, import and market only those that have received approval.
The system applies to new or retreaded tyres, welding electrodes, lifting devices and port fenders, with a view to standardizing the requirements to be met by these products. Technical import authorization (ATI) will be granted on the basis of an analysis of the necessary requirements.
Nature of licensing
Automatic
If Automatic, administrative purpose
Non-Automatic
If Non-Automatic, description of the notified Non-Automatic Licensing regime
Products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
The licensing procedure does not restrict the quantity or value of imports: its purpose is to ensure the quality of the products and compliance with domestic technical regulations. No alternative methods were considered, since those used were effective in meeting the objectives pursued.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
This procedure applies to all countries that wish to export the said products to Cuba.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
MINTRANS Resolution No.90-1992
MINCEX Resolution No.307-2004
MINTRANS Resolution No.293-2014
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
Licensing is required for all entities that import the equipment described in the answer to question 2 above.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
Eligibility of applicants
Is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in importation?
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Importers authorized to import these products in accordance with a list approved by MINCEX may apply for technical authorization.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
Cuban Ship Registry, MITRANS
Address
Telephone
(+53) 7209 4700
Fax
Contact officer
Director: Miguel Pineda López
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Applications shall be made in writing and must contain the following information:
- Product name and identification.
- Name and distinctive mark of the manufacturer.
- Main characteristics of the product or system that determine its suitability for use (in accordance with essential requirements).
- Scope.
- Technical information regarding usage.
- Results of tests conducted by accredited entities and of in-factory testing, which should at least cover aspects relating to key requirements.
- Characteristics of production, processing and manufacturing control centres.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
- Documents concerning the relevant quality system.
- Certificates issued by authorized institutions and any other information considered useful.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
Prior to signing the contract of sale with the supplier. For goods arriving in port without a licence, approval formalities can be completed at the border.
Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for licence can be made? If so, explain
There are no limitations.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No, as it is necessary at least to examine the required documentation.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Prior to signing the contract of sale with the supplier. For goods arriving in port without a licence, approval formalities can be completed at the border.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of applications is effected solely by the authority in charge, although in the case of tyres, the approved brands are registered with the Tyres Committee.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
Consideration of applications is effected solely by the authority in charge, although in the case of tyres, the approved brands are registered with the Tyres Committee.
Are there any other conditions attached to the issue of a licence?
Not applicable.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Not applicable.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
Not applicable.
Amount or rate?
Is it refundable?
What is the period of retention?
What is the purpose of this requirement?
Refusal of an application
Under what circumstances may an application for a licence be refused other than failure to meet the ordinary criteria?
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The applicant is informed of the reasons for the refusal.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
There is no right of appeal.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
There are no limitations.
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The certificate of approval issued by the competent authority.
Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import licensing and similar administrative procedures, required prior to importation?
Not applicable.
Conditions of licensing
What is the period of validity of a licence? Can the validity be extended? How?
The certificate of approval is valid for three years, subject to annual supervision and confirmation that the conditions under which it was issued have been maintained.
The certificate of approval may also be invalidated, reviewed or renewed where there are grounds for doing so. Renewal must be requested three months before expiry, following the same procedure as for the initial application.
Is there any penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?
Not applicable.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
The certificate of approval is transferable and may be used by other importers provided that the product specifications and characteristics do not change.
Foreign Exchange
Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be imported?
Not applicable.
Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange?
Not applicable.
Is foreign exchange always available to cover licences issued?
Not applicable.
What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the foreign exchange?
Not applicable.