INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT SHIPPING TO CUBA

If you are sending merchandise to Cuba by sea or air for the first time, guidance and support will surely be needed, as there are guidelines, prohibitions and restrictions to consider. An understanding of Cuban laws, practices and standards - both formal and informal - is paramount, especially for first-time ventures in order to avoid delays and obstacles.

WHAT PAPERWORK IS NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS TO CUBA?

Documentation requirements vary depending on the category of goods being shipped, and can get quite extensive. They usually include: Commercial invoice, Bill of lading / Air waybill, Packing list, Insurance certificate, Certificate of Origin (if required). Certain commodities are considered “Non-Document” and need to be accompanied by an invoice and additional customs documentation. Other commodities are considered simply as “Document” and only require a waybill to be completed.
To avoid delays or hassles when shipping to Cuba, your packing list must be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” attracts negative attention and further inspections.

WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS WHEN SHIPPING TO CUBA?

Regulations can be strict on certain categories of goods being imported to Cuba. Prohibited commodities include everything from animal products to asbestos, gambling devices to plant products, and perishable foods to precious metals.

Duties and tariffs are usually based on the total value of the shipment in question, and depending on how well-documented the cargo is, those values could be determined by the judgment of Customs Officials on the spot.

Shipping cargo to Cuba is easier with LAC as we have overcome these obstacles many times and have developed a thorough understanding of the customs procedures.