The Cuban government has announced new measures regarding the importation of combustion motorcycles and mopeds by private individuals. Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Minister of Transportation, stated on Tuesday during the Mesa Redonda program that anyone can import electric motorcycles or mopeds, without power limits, and light trailers or semi-trailers up to 750 kg as unaccompanied baggage or shipment. In both cases, tariffs are paid in the national currency.
“The previously established regulations for electric motorcycles and mopeds remain, but it will now be possible to import, as unaccompanied baggage or shipment, combustion or hybrid motorcycles and mopeds, with or without a sidecar, new and used (up to 10 years old), up to 250 cc, and electric or hybrid tricycles with a capacity of more than two seats or for cargo,” explained Rodríguez Dávila.
The new measure also applies to personnel working abroad on state missions, diplomats, businesspeople, and collaborators, among others. “These individuals will be able to import combustion motorcycles and mopeds just like any other person, but they will also have the option to import, once, an economical or mid-range car, new or used up to 10 years old from the date of manufacture, paying tariffs in convertible currency,” he specified.
To import a vehicle, one of the requirements is to have completed two continuous years on the mission. Previously, the requirement was three years. “Officials will have the option to buy the car in Cuba instead of importing it from abroad; in that case, they will be exempt from paying 100% of the special tax,” clarified Rodríguez Dávila.
The Minister emphasized that until now, private individuals could freely transfer the ownership of a motor vehicle among themselves, and legal entities could do the same among themselves, but legal entities could not transfer to private individuals. One of the adopted modifications is that the transfer of ownership is now allowed between all private individuals and legal entities.
“However, for state-owned or state-participated legal entities, the transfer of ownership to a private individual requires approval from the Council of Ministers, and foreign diplomatic legal entities are not authorized,” he added. “For example, a microenterprise can transfer ownership of a vehicle to a private individual, just like a religious organization, a foreign representative office in Cuba, or a branch,” he noted.
FAQs on Cuban Motorcycle and Vehicle Import Regulations
The new import regulations for motorcycles and vehicles in Cuba have raised several questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Who can import combustion motorcycles and mopeds into Cuba?
Any private individual, as well as personnel working abroad on state missions, diplomats, businesspeople, and collaborators, can import combustion motorcycles and mopeds.
What are the conditions for importing a vehicle into Cuba?
One of the conditions is to have completed two continuous years on a mission. Previously, the requirement was three years. Additionally, tariffs must be paid in convertible currency.
Can legal entities transfer vehicle ownership to private individuals?
Yes, but state-owned or state-participated legal entities require approval from the Council of Ministers. Foreign diplomatic legal entities are not authorized to transfer vehicle ownership to private individuals.