The Cuban Ministry of Communications published Official Gazette Extraordinary No. 66 of May 21, 2026, introducing two key resolutions that update the regulatory framework applicable to telecommunications and information and communication technology equipment.

Resolution 1/2026 updates the rules for non-commercial importation of telecommunications and ICT equipment by natural and legal persons. It identifies the equipment that may be imported without technical authorization, such as conventional telephones, non-satellite mobile phones, certain cordless phones operating in permitted bands, domestic radio and TV receivers, computers, tablets, laptops, printers, scanners, storage devices and UPS systems.

The same resolution also defines categories of equipment that require technical authorization from the Ministry of Communications before entry into Cuba. These include telephone exchanges, routers, switches, wireless microphone systems, transmitters, transceivers, radar equipment, radio remote-control devices, wireless access points, satellite equipment, RF amplifiers, wireless alarms, wireless CCTV systems, satellite receivers, antennas and equipment intended for mass data, video, text or voice transmission.

Resolution 2/2026 approves a new Regulation on Technical Authorization, Certificates of Homologation and Certificates of Acceptance for telecommunications and ICT equipment. The regulation applies to equipment that connects to telecommunications networks or uses the radio spectrum, and establishes procedures for importers, manufacturers, marketers and recipients of donations.

The new framework requires technical authorization for commercial importation of products listed in Annex I and technical endorsement from the Computer Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment for products listed in Annex II. It also establishes homologation requirements for equipment connected to public telecommunications networks or using radio spectrum, while acceptance certificates may apply to equipment that does not connect to public networks or use spectrum but must comply with technical specifications.

The regulation introduces requirements related to interoperability, electromagnetic compatibility, technical documentation, testing, renewal of certificates, post-sale services, customs control, temporary imports, e-commerce imports, donations, drones, cryptographic protection systems and equipment that could interfere with telecommunications networks or services. The resolutions also repeal previous rules, including Resolution 272/2015, Resolution 132/2019 and Resolution 110/2020.

This is a high-impact regulatory development because Cuba has updated the import control, technical authorization, homologation and acceptance framework for a broad range of telecommunications and ICT equipment. The rules directly affect manufacturers, importers, distributors, e-commerce platforms, telecom operators, laboratories, certification stakeholders and end users importing regulated equipment into Cuba.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Mandatory Technical Authorization
• Many telecommunications and ICT products now require technical authorization before importation, including routers, switches, wireless access points, transmitters, transceivers, satellite equipment, radar devices, RF amplifiers, wireless CCTV systems and wireless alarm systems.
• Updated Homologation and Acceptance Framework
• Resolution 2/2026 establishes a new regulatory process for certificates of homologation and acceptance for equipment that connects to networks, uses the radio spectrum or must comply with technical specifications.
• Impact on Commercial and Non-Commercial Imports
• The rules affect both commercial imports and non-commercial imports by natural and legal persons, including temporary imports, donations, samples for testing, e-commerce purchases and equipment for fairs or demonstrations.
• Customs Enforcement Risk
• Equipment arriving without the required technical authorization may be retained by Cuban customs authorities, requiring the importer to regularize the authorization within the applicable timeframe.
• RF and EMC Compliance Impact
• Products using radiofrequency, wireless transmission, satellite communication or electromagnetic functions may require technical review to avoid harmful interference and ensure compatibility with authorized services.
• Testing and Technical Documentation Burden
• Applicants may need to provide technical data, manufacturer documentation, samples, laboratory test reports, homologation certificates or equivalent foreign documentation recognized by Cuban authorities.
• E-Commerce Impact
• The regulation expressly states that imports through technological e-commerce platforms must comply with the same authorization and regulatory requirements.
• Cybersecurity and Cryptography Controls
• Equipment used to access networks without authorization is prohibited, and equipment using cryptographic protection systems must undergo evaluation and approval by the competent cryptography authority.
• Market Access and Portfolio Management
• Manufacturers and importers will need to verify whether their products fall within Annex I or Annex II, whether a technical authorization, homologation certificate, acceptance certificate or technical endorsement is required, and whether previous certifications remain valid.

Who?

• Manufacturers of telecommunications and ICT equipment.
• Importers and distributors of telecom devices.
• E-commerce platforms and logistics operators.
• Telecom operators and network infrastructure providers.
• Wi-Fi, router, switch and RF equipment suppliers.
• Satellite equipment suppliers.
• Wireless CCTV, alarm and monitoring system providers.
• Drone and remote-control equipment suppliers.
• Certification bodies and testing laboratories.
• Legal, customs and regulatory affairs teams.

Conclusion

Cuba’s 2026 regulatory update represents a significant modernization of the national framework for telecommunications and ICT equipment. The new rules expand and clarify requirements for technical authorization, homologation, acceptance, customs control, e-commerce imports and technical compliance. Due to the broad product scope, mandatory nature and direct connection with market access, customs clearance and network/spectrum protection, this development should be treated as a high-impact regulatory update for affected industries.