Basic information
Outline of the system
Technical authorization to import electrical end-use equipment. Electrical end-use equipment not imported for marketing purposes must meet the voltage requirements for the installations in which it is to be used. Where the equipment is to be used at exhibitions and fairs or in field trials, the authority in charge will grant technical authorization for three months. Where the equipment is to be marketed, the authority in charge will grant technical authorization for two years, provided that the equipment is registered by the authority responsible and the technical acceptance is valid.
Product coverage
Licensing seeks to establish and control technical requirements relating to the energy efficiency, electrical safety and tropicalization of electrical end-use equipment that is imported, manufactured or assembled in Cuba by national or foreign legal persons, with a view to promoting the rational and efficient use of electricity and ensuring consumer protection through the use of highly energy efficient and good quality equipment.
It covers the following electrical end-use equipment:
- Household refrigerating appliances classified under tariff subheadings 8418.10, 8418.21, 8418.22, 8418.29, 8418.30 and 8418.40.
- Household electric fans, classified under tariff subheadings 8414.51 and 8414.59.
- Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) classified under tariff subheading 8539.31.10.
- Electric smoothing irons classified under tariff subheading 8516.40.
- Air-conditioning machines classified under tariff subheadings 8415.10 (window or wall types); 8415.82 and 8415.83 (split systems).
- Microwave ovens classified under tariff subheading 8516.50.
- Electric rice cookers classified under tariff subheading 8516.79.
- Electric pressure cookers classified under tariff subheading 8516.79.
- Electric coffee makers classified under tariff subheading 8516.71.
- Household electric washing machines classified under tariff subheadings 8450.11, 8450.12, 8450.19 and 8450.90.
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
There is no restriction as to the quantity or value of imports. Licensing seeks to contribute to Cuba's policy on electricity saving.
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 goods from any country in the world.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Ministry of Basic Industry (MINBAS) Resolution No.136 of 2009. Licensing is required for all entities that import the equipment described above.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
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?
Companies listed in the National Register of Exporters and Importers of the Chamber of Trade of the Republic of Cuba that are authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade to import products under these subheadings.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
ONURE, MINEM
Address
Telephone
(+53) 78330540; 78333512
Fax
Contact officer
Director: Maddiel Reyes de Armas
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Entities interested in beginning the technical acceptance process for any of the electrical end use equipment described, shall complete the relevant form and email it to the authority in charge.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Entities interested in beginning the technical acceptance process for any of the electrical end use equipment described, shall complete the relevant form and email it to the authority in charge.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
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?
The authority in charge will have a maximum of five working days to consider the application and issue the corresponding technical authorization.
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.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of applications is effected solely by the authority in charge.
Must the applications be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval?
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?
Yes
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
The administrative charge corresponds to the type of equipment concerned and the validation tests carried out on this equipment in laboratories recognized by the competent authority.
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?
The following constitute general violations to these regulations:
- Arrival at a Cuban port or airport of electrical end-use equipment that has not received valid technical acceptance from the authority in charge.
- Non-compliance with the obligations undertaken, as set forth in existing legislation in this area.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
In the event of either of the above-mentioned violations, the authority in charge will apply one or more of the following penalties:
- Warning notification.
- Suspension of technical authorization for one year.
- Withdrawal of technical authorization.
- Refused entry or destruction of the equipment.
The authority in charge will have 30 working days from when it becomes aware of a violation to apply the above-mentioned penalties.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
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 technical authorization document 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?
Technical acceptance is valid for two years, provided that there is no change to the equipment's technical specifications or the product model. At least 45 days before the technical acceptance expires, the holding entities may request an extension of two years, provided that the equipment's technical specifications or the product model have not changed. The authority in charge will have five working days to consider the extension request and make a decision thereon, after which the applicant will be notified.
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?
Equipment for which an importer already has technical authorization may be imported by other importers, provided that the product model and its technical specifications 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.