Cuba: New Regulations for Telecommunications Equipment Imports

Home Country Update Cuba: New Regulations for Telecommunications Equipment Imports

June 4, 2026

The Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) of the Republic of Cuba has recently published two significant resolutions, 1/2026 and 2/2026, in the Official Gazette on May 21, 2026. These resolutions, effective from January 8, 2026, introduce updated technical authorization and homologation requirements for telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) equipment. The primary goal is to streamline regulatory processes and ensure compliance with national and international standards for all equipment entering the Cuban market, whether for commercial or non-commercial use.

Resolution 1/2026: Non-Commercial Imports and Equipment Scope

Resolution 1/2026 specifically addresses the technical authorization required for the non-commercial importation of telecommunications equipment by natural or legal persons. This new framework repeals the previous Resolution 272 of October 13, 2015, signifying a modernized approach to managing personal and organizational equipment imports.

The resolution details a comprehensive list of equipment requiring authorization, including:

Wired Modems: All types of wired modems.
Cell Phones: All cell phones, with the exception of satellite phones.
Cordless Phones: Only those operating within specific frequency bands are permitted: 43.70 to 49.980 MHz, 1.910 to 1.930 GHz, 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz, and 5.725 to 5.875 GHz.
Wireless Audio and Video Systems: Including wireless intercom systems, child monitoring devices, and remote controls for games that operate in the 2.400 to 2.4835 GHz and 5.725 to 5.875 GHz bands.
Bluetooth Devices: Wired and wireless microphones that use Bluetooth technology or operate in the 2.400-2.4835 GHz and 5.725-5.875 GHz bands.
Data Storage Devices: Hard drives, memories, and similar devices.
Other Equipment: Desktop computers, tablets, laptops, monitors, accessories, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

Crucially, the resolution explicitly prohibits the importation of radio frequency amplifiers for mobile telephony, such as repeaters. Furthermore, any equipment incorporating cryptographic protection is subject to a mandatory evaluation by the Directorate of Cryptography, under the Ministry of the Interior, to ensure national security compliance.

Resolution 2/2026: Commercial Homologation and Certification

Complementing Resolution 1/2026, Resolution 2/2026 establishes the stringent conditions for the manufacture, import, and marketing of telecommunications and ICT equipment for commercial purposes. This includes devices intended for resale, commercialization, or integration into local manufacturing operations. All products listed in Annex I, which encompasses items such as radar apparatus (heading 8526) and radio broadcasting receivers, are subject to these requirements. Equipment must obtain both Technical Authorization and a Homologation Certificate or Acceptance from MINCOM to ensure its suitability and safety for the national telecommunications network.

This applies to a broad range of devices, including:

Telephone Switchboards: All types of telephone apparatus.
Data Network Devices: Routers and switches.
Wireless Microphone Systems: Including those used for simultaneous translation.
Radio Transmitters and Transceivers: Of any nature and service, including radars, radio determination equipment, telemetry, remote control, wireless remote controls, and other short-range radiocommunication devices.
Fixed, Fixed-Satellite, Mobile Satellite, and Personal Station Equipment: Such as walkie-talkies and devices designed to use satellites in non-geostationary orbits for personal public telecommunications services.

The technical authorization granted under this resolution signifies compliance with mandatory technical requirements. The General Directorate of Communications will determine the homologation or acceptance certificates on a case-by-case basis for specific equipment categories, ensuring a tailored approach to certification based on device type and intended use.

Application and Test Samples

Applications for technical authorization are submitted to the General Directorate of Communications. For test samples, an application for Temporary Technical Authorization must be submitted at least 30 days before the samples arrive in the national territory. This temporary permit remains valid for up to three months during the testing phase, with local laboratory testing being the standard requirement. If technical authorization is not presented to Customs within 30 days of equipment retention, the equipment will be processed according to established legal procedures, potentially leading to delays or confiscation.

Acceptance of Foreign Test Reports (Article 47)

Article 47 of the new regulations introduces a provision for complex equipment. If the technical evaluation of telecommunications equipment, devices, and apparatus is beyond the local testing capabilities, the General Directorate of Communications may decide to accept certification documentation from internationally recognized laboratories or technical certificates from the manufacturer. This applies particularly to highly specialized equipment, such as radar systems or devices operating at higher frequencies (specifically those above 24 GHz), ensuring that advanced equipment can still gain market access even if local testing infrastructure is limited.

Certificate Issuance and Renewal

After testing is completed and the applicable fees are paid, the Homologation Certificate is issued within 10 business days. Certificates are valid for five years. For renewal, an application must be submitted at least 30 days before the current certificate expires, provided the device remains unchanged.

It is critical to note that importation without a valid certificate is not permitted, even if a renewal application is pending. Certificates issued before the enactment of these new regulations remain valid until their originally stated expiration date, ensuring a smooth transition for existing approvals.

For this article’s source information and any product certification guidance, please contact Global Validity.

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