Basic information
Outline of the system
Technical authorization is granted by the ONN's Directorate of Metrology, in its capacity as the national regulatory authority, following verification that the goods being imported comply with the mandatory technical requirements.
Product coverage
Measuring instruments and equipment that require technical authorization to be imported because they are subject to evaluation and approval under General Provision No. 01 "Measuring instruments subject to legal metrological control according to the fields of application in which they will be used", implemented by Resolution No. 95/2020 of the Director-General of the National Bureau of Standards (the national regulatory authority).
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
Licensing is not intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports.
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?
Decree-Law No. 8/2020 on standardization, metrology, quality and accreditation of 16 April 2020 and Decree No. 16/2020 on regulations on standardization, metrology, quality and accreditation of 31 August 2020. The granting of licences is statutorily required.
Does the legislation leave designation of products to be subject to licensing to administrative discretion?
The legislation does not leave the designation of products subject to licensing to administrative discretion.
Is it possible for the government to abolish the system without legislative approval?
It is not 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?
Importers must be registered in the National Register for Exporters and Importers of the Chamber of Commerce of the Republic of Cuba.
What persons or firms are eligible to apply for a licence?
Is there a registration fee?
Is there a published list of authorized importers?
Contact point for information on eligibility
Ministry/Authority
National Bureau of Standards
Address
Telephone
(+53) 7830 0825 /0835/0803
Fax
Contact officer
Director: Nancy Fernández Rodríguez
Submission of an application
Administrative body(ies) for submission of an application
Documentation requirements
What information is required in applications?
Companies importing and exporting measuring instruments and equipment subject to pattern evaluation and approval must apply to the ONN's Directorate of Metrology for a pattern approval certificate, as established in the "Procedure for the pattern evaluation and approval of measuring instruments " (PDIM No. 02). This is a requirement for obtaining the technical authorization that must be presented to the Customs General of the Republic (AGR) to secure the release of the goods. The ONN, through its accredited inspection bodies, can check compliance with the established pattern evaluation and approval requirements.
The Directorate of Metrology reserves the right to make acceptance of the application conditional upon submission by the applicant of all the technical information required for evaluation.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
Applications for technical authorization must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Registration certificate issued by the competent national authority for products subject to this requirement;
- Certificates of tests carried out on the product in accordance with the corresponding standard;
- Management system certificate, if obtained;
- European Conformity (Conformité Européenne, CE) mark certificate, if obtained;
- China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark certificate for products from China;
- Certificate of product conformity issued by a certification body;
- Any other document demonstrating compliance with international or regional standards.
If need be, agreement must be reached as to any additional documents or information that must be submitted for analysis and subsequent approval or rejection.
Window of submission of an application
How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made?
The specific technical authorizations to carry out import operations must be granted by a competent authority and be obtained prior to the signing of the relevant contract. Where this is not possible, they must always be obtained before the start of the commercial operation (defined as the date of shipment of the goods), according to the level of risk and nature of each individual case.
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 as to when applications may be made.
Issuing the license
Can a licence be granted immediately on request?
No, because the documents provided have to be examined by specialists.
Can licences be obtained within a shorter time-limit or for goods arriving at the port without a licence
Which administrative body is responsible for approving application of licences?
Consideration of applications is effected by a single body, the ONN.
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?
No.
Fees and other administrative charges
Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge?
Applicants must pay 100% of the total value of the service by cheque or bank transfer once the corresponding pre-invoices, established in line with the current regulations and rates, have been issued.
What is the amount of the fee or charge?
Is there any deposit or advance payment required associated with the issue of licences?
No.
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?
Applicants are informed of the criteria for the approval or refusal of a licence.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
The ONN must examine the complaint and respond within 10 days of receipt. A complaint-response extension of up to 10 working days may be granted.
Have applicants a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence?
They have the right to file a written complaint, with attached supporting documentation, in respect of any breach of terms of the contract established with the ONN or the consequences thereof, within 30 calendar days of the breach.
If so, to what bodies and under what procedures?
The Parties are bound to settle any dispute regarding the interpretation, implementation, amendment or cancellation of the established contract amicably and in good faith. If no agreement is reached, the dispute must be referred to the Economic Division of the competent People's Provincial Court, as stipulated in Decree-Law No.241 of 26 September 2006.
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 technical authorization, which must be presented to the AGR to secure the release of the goods.
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 validity period is 60 days and it may be extended by 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?
There is no penalty for the non-utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence.
Are licences transferable between importers? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached to such transfer?
Licences are not transferable between importers.
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.