The Cuban Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, recently made an announcement on his Facebook page regarding the companies that have been granted permission to sell vehicles on the island, both to legal entities and private individuals. This updated vehicle import policy, effective from January 1st, signifies a notable shift by expanding the entities allowed to facilitate such transactions.
Rodríguez Dávila provided an infographic detailing the contact information and business hours of the companies that will be handling these new responsibilities. Here is a brief overview of the key authorized companies:
CIMEX
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Address: Calle 20 e/ 1ra y 3ra, Municipio Playa, Havana
Phone: 72040834
Social Media: Facebook: DTA CIMEX, Instagram: dta_cimex
DIVEP
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Address: Calle Galiano No. 213 e/ Concordia y Virtudes, Centro Habana, Havana
Phones: 52089433 / 52128086
IMEXPORT
Hours: Monday to Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Address: Calle 5ta B, Inmobiliaria Almendares, Office #60, Miramar, Playa, Havana
Phones: 50913604 / 59877018
Social Media: Instagram: impexportcuba
TRANSIMPORT
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Address: Calle No. 6102, Los Quemados, Marianao, Havana
Phones: 72600570 / 72600325 to 27
TRADEX
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Address: Loma 674 e/ Colón y Lombillo, Nuevo Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, Havana
Phones: 78831019 / 78835436
Social Media: Facebook: Tradex Cuba
MCV Comercial
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Address: Intersection of Vía Blanca and Vía Monumental, Habana del Este, Havana
Phones: 77929701 / 77929701 to 09
Servicios Automotores S.A. (SASA)
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Address: Calle No. 2602 e/ 26 y 28, Miramar, Playa, Havana
Phone: 72069952
Social Media: Facebook: Servicios Automotores SASA
Tiendas Caribe
Hours: Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Address: Calle 3ra e/ 42 y 44, Miramar, Playa, Havana
Phone: 72049041
SOLIMPORT
Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Address: Calle 84 e/ 13 y 15, Playa, Havana
Phones: 72040075 / 72048134
The Minister concluded his post by urging interested individuals to seek information through each company’s official contact channels. This shift in import policy aims to ease access to vehicles in a market that has long been under stringent regulation.
Why Are Vehicle Import Measures Announced Now?
The Cuban government has introduced measures allowing Cubans on overseas missions to import goods preferentially. These new rules intend to incentivize those performing state functions abroad by simplifying the acquisition of vehicles and other essential items upon their return to Cuba.
Additionally, there have been updates regarding the pricing of imported vehicles. Authorities claim these new prices align with economic realities, though divided opinions have emerged among citizens due to the impact on accessibility to these goods.
Simultaneously, a new law will be enacted governing the import and sale of vehicles on the island. This legislation outlines a more stringent regulatory framework, defining the conditions under which vehicles can be purchased and brought into the country, striving for a balance between social needs and the state’s limited economic capacity.
The Minister of Transportation has highlighted forthcoming measures aimed at reorganizing the transportation system. These strategies, including regulations concerning vehicle importation and usage, mirror the government's goals of optimizing resources to tackle the current economic shortages.
FAQs on Cuba's New Vehicle Importation Policy
What is the purpose of the new vehicle import policy in Cuba?
The policy is designed to expand access to vehicles by allowing more entities to engage in import transactions, addressing a market historically constrained by regulations.
Who can benefit from the preferential import measures?
Cubans serving on state missions abroad are eligible for preferential import measures, facilitating their acquisition of vehicles and necessary goods upon returning to Cuba.
How have citizens reacted to the new vehicle pricing?
The revised pricing has received mixed reactions, with some citizens concerned about the impact on their ability to afford vehicles under the new economic conditions.