The entry into force of Decree 119/2024 has generated great interest among those awaiting alternatives for acquiring a means of transportation in Cuba. The law regulates the importation of vehicles via unaccompanied baggage or through shipments, and establishes the tariffs that must be paid according to the type of vehicle.
The General Customs of the Republic confirmed in a note that all payments must be made in US dollars or their equivalent in other convertible currencies, using international cards or prepaid cards in dollars.
This provision aims to reduce the use of cash and centralize foreign currency income, which directly impacts the ability to import vehicles from abroad.
Importation by unaccompanied baggage
Costs vary depending on the vehicle's characteristics. For mopeds or motorcycles with combustion engines up to 250 cc, hybrids with sidecars, the fee is $54 plus $8 in service fees, for a total of $62.
Motorcycles of the same displacement but without a sidecar have a $46 tariff and $8 service charge, for a total of $54.
For electric or hybrid tricycles, the fee is $22 in tariffs and $8 in services, resulting in a total of $30.
Importation by shipments
Prices are higher when imported via freight. Motorcycles with sidecars must pay $276 in tariffs and $8 in services, for a total of $284.
Motorcycles without a sidecar are subject to a tariff of $246 plus a service charge of $8, totaling $254.
Meanwhile, electric or hybrid tricycles pay $156 in tariffs and $8 in services, for a total of $164.
Difference with prices in the Cuban market
While customs fees may seem relatively low, the true cost appears in the domestic market. A basic electric motorcycle in Cuba, available in state-owned stores or private micro, small and medium-sized businesses, easily exceeds $1.000. More powerful models, such as 125cc motorcycles or electric scooters with lithium batteries, are offered between $1.500 and $3.000, depending on the brand and range.
Electric tricycles, in high demand for their cargo capacity and use as family or work transportation, sell for between $2.000 and $3.500 in private businesses, significantly more than the cost of customs clearance.
In the case of imported combustion-engine motorcycles, prices skyrocket even further. Models from well-known brands such as Honda, Yamaha, or Suzuki can fetch prices close to $7.000 or $8.000 in the Cuban market, a sum practically unaffordable for most workers, whose average monthly salary is around 6.500 Cuban pesos, equivalent to less than $20 at the informal exchange rate. 
Impact on the population
The decree aims to make access to transportation more flexible, but the gap between customs tariffs and actual market prices demonstrates that the problem isn't the import itself, but rather the domestic shortages and rising prices. Even with legal restrictions, an average Cuban would need years of income to earn the sum required for a functional vehicle.
Furthermore, the mandatory use of international cards or prepaid cards in dollars limits access for those with relatives abroad or income in foreign currency. For a large part of the population, this option is inaccessible.
Access to information
Customs reminded that interested parties can consult the details on its official website. www.aduana.cu, through the telephones 7 883 7575 and 7 883 8282, or by email ppgad@pucrs.brHowever, the greatest expectations lie in whether this decree will streamline vehicle access or whether it will remain an option only available to a minority.