Basic information
Outline of the system
Regulations on lifts, escalators and moving walkways, which govern the design, manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, repair, periodical inspection and importation of this type of equipment.
Product coverage
The licensing system covers lifts for transporting people and goods (HS 8428.10.00), and escalators and moving walkways for transporting people (HS 8428.40.00), regardless of speed of movement and subject to the exceptions indicated in the regulations.
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 regulations do not restrict quantity by country of origin or provenance. Their purpose is to ensure the necessary safety requirements for the transportation of passengers and goods.
Questions for products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports
Not applicable.
The system applies to products originating from which country?
No distinction is made between countries. The licensing system applies to all imported equipment.
Expected duration of licensing procedure
Legal requirements
Is the licensing statutorily required?
Resolution No.137 of 2004 of the Ministry of Metallurgical, Mechanical and Electronics Industries (SIME) and Joint Resolution SIME-MINCEX No.1 of 2005. Licensing is mandatory for all regulated products. Given the highly technical nature of the subject matter concerned, the Government is in charge of implementation and empowered by law in this respect. A central government agency (OACE) has been designated as the body responsible for this type of technology in Cuba.
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?
All importing entities are eligible to apply for authorization, provided that they have been given approval to market these products.
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
National Lift Group, MINDUS
Address
Telephone
(+53) 72633155; 52162571
Fax
Contact officer
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
The application shall be addressed to the head of the National Lift Group with the following information attached:
- Technical project and descriptive report, in duplicate, containing: a description of the type element concerned and the operation thereof; the relevant calculations, characteristics and technical descriptions; details of the electrical equipment concerned; and installation and assembly plans. The project must be signed by a duly authorized engineer and the owner or investor.
The application must include the following:
For lifts:
- The name of the investor in charge of the works, and the address, telephone number, fax number and/or email address where they can be contacted.
- A copy of the Resolution specifying the person authorized to sign the contract, with the address, telephone number, fax number and/or email address where they can be contacted.
- Details of the place where the project will be carried out, including the address of the building.
- A traffic study.
- A general ground plan of the building, showing the position of the lift and the building's compliance with the manufacturer's requirements.
- A cross-section diagram of the lift shaft, showing the various floors, the lift car and how it is suspended.
- A cross-section diagram of the machine room, showing the transmission mechanisms and lift motor.
- A ground plan of the machine room, showing the lift motor and base.
- A ground plan of the lift pit, showing the devices it contains.
- A table showing the operating magnitudes assigned to the motor.
- Electrical circuit diagrams.
- Safety device details.
- Adjustment and maintenance manuals.*
- A spare parts catalogue.*
- Assembly manuals *
- Details of at least three different suppliers from registered trading enterprises.
- The name of the authorized company that is to assemble the lift, and its economic valuation.
- Any other information that the investor considers of interest.
Note: * It is not necessary to submit these documents if the equipment has been registered.
For escalators and moving walkways, the following must be provided in addition to the information required for lifts:
- An analysis of the static tension of the supporting structure or an equivalent certificate from an accredited static-tension analyst.
- Details of breakage-resistance tests conducted by an accredited body on direct-action components of steps, pallets or belts, such as chains and racks.
- Calculations of breaking distance, together with adjustment data for loaded moving walkways.
- Details of step or pallet tests.
- Details of belt breakage-resistance tests.
- Handrail breakage-resistance certificate.
- Registration certificate, in duplicate, as endorsed by the registration body, stating that the type element is registered and in compliance with all the required specifications.
- Construction licence, in duplicate, as issued by the competent authorities, certifying that the construction of the building has been approved.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
See answer above.
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
Applications for import approval notifications may be made at any time.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
The import approval notification does not expire.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
The import approval notification is issued before the importer signs the supply contract.
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
The importer is only required to approach the competent national authority, in this case the National Lift Authority attached to the Ministry of Industry.
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?
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?
Import applications may be refused if they do not comply with the regulations on lifts, escalators and moving walkways, or if they concern the replacement of existing equipment that is still operational and usable in accordance with safety requirements.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
In such cases, the applicant will be notified of the reasons for refusal.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
The applicant will have the possibility of appealing this decision.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
Appealing this decision before the Directorate-General of the Ministry of Industry.
Importation
Are there any limitations as to the period of year during which importation may be made?
What documents are required upon actual importation?
The procedure is completely free of charge.
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 import approval notification does not expire.
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?
Not applicable.
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.