Basic information
Outline of the system
Technical authorization issued by the Ministry of Communications for imports of telecommunications equipment and devices, which must be approved by the customs authority for the purposes of importation. The aim is to ensure that imported equipment guarantees the proper functioning of public telecommunications/ICT networks, the safety of users, the rational and efficient use of the radio spectrum and does not interfere with other telecommunications services.
Product coverage
Licensing seeks to maintain control of the use of the radio frequency spectrum and regulate the manufacturing and importation of radiocommunications equipment and the compatibility, manufacturing and importation of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment.
It covers the following types of equipment:
- Electrical apparatus for line telephony or line telegraphy, including line telephone sets with cordless handsets and telecommunication apparatus for carrier-current line systems or for digital line systems; videophones (HS 85.17).
- Microphones and stands therefor (wireless microphones only) (HS 8518.10).
- Transmission apparatus for radiotelephony, radiotelegraphy, radiobroadcasting or television, whether or not incorporating reception apparatus or sound recording or reproducing apparatus; television cameras; still image video cameras and other video camera recorders; digital cameras (wireless only) (HS 85.25).
- Radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus (HS 85.26).
- Reception apparatus for radiotelephony, radiotelegraphy or radiobroadcasting, whether or not combined, in the same housing, with sound recording or reproducing apparatus or a clock (HS 85.27).
- Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the apparatus of headings 85.25 to 85.28 (HS 85.29).
- Electric sound or visual signalling apparatus (for example, bells, sirens, indicator panels, burglar or fire alarms), other than those of heading 85.12 or 85.30 (wireless only) (HS 85.31).
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. Its purpose is to maintain technical compatibility with networks.
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?
MINCOM Resolution No.132 of 2019.
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?
National Register of Exporters and Importers of the Chamber of Trade of the Republic of Cuba
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
Directorate of International Relations and Foreign Trade, MINCOM
Address
Telephone
(+53) 7882 8108
Fax
Contact officer
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 the above-mentioned telecommunications equipment shall send a request to the authority in charge.
What documents is the importer required to supply with the application?
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.
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, an expert evaluation is necessary.
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?
No.
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?
The following constitute general violations to these regulations:
- Arrival at a Cuban port or airport of telecommunications equipment that has not received valid technical acceptance from MINCOM.
- Non-compliance with the obligations undertaken, as set forth in existing legislation in this area.
Are the reasons for any refusal given to applicants?
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 one year.
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?
They are not transferable.
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.