New Regulatory Framework for Homologation and Importation

Cuba’s Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) has ushered in a major regulatory overhaul for 2026, officially implementing Resolutions 1/2026 and 2/2026 to modernize the control of radio-enabled and telecommunications equipment entering the country. Replacing older frameworks from 2015, 2019, and 2020, these new rules aim to streamline consumer access while tightening oversight on commercial, enterprise, and infrastructure technologies.

The most significant change in the 2026 update is the clear demarcation between consumer electronics imported for personal use and equipment intended for commercialization, enterprise networks, or manufacturing integration.

Any device imported "with a commercial character" (con carácter comercial)—meaning it is intended for resale or integration into local manufacturing—requires prior Technical Authorization and a formal Homologation Certificate.

For enterprise infrastructure deployment, there is an important distinction: Technical Authorization is always mandatory to clear customs, but if the equipment is strictly for internal, non-commercial use, the requirement for a formal Homologation Certificate is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the General Directorate of Communications.

Key categories requiring Technical Authorization (and full type approval if commercial) include:

For manufacturers whose products fall within the scope of Annex I, securing a Homologation Certificate is a mandatory prerequisite for market access. Certificates are now issued with a validity period of up to five years.

1. Exploring Foreign Test Report Acceptance Shipping test samples across borders can be a logistical hurdle. While local laboratory testing is the default requirement in Cuba, there are specific scenarios where we can investigate bypassing this step. Under Article 47 of the new regulations, if equipment is too complex for the local designated testing entity to evaluate—such as radar or specialized devices operating at frequencies above 24 GHz, which exceed current local lab capabilities—the General Directorate of Communications will evaluate the case directly. In these instances, they may accept technical certificates from internationally recognized foreign laboratories. 

For other standard equipment categories, we evaluate the possibility of petitioning the General Directorate to accept comprehensive FCC or CE/ETSI documentation on a case-by-case basis. While this is not guaranteed, exploring this avenue during the initial application can sometimes reduce the local testing burden. 

When local testing is required, getting units into the country requires a specific "Autorización técnica temporal" (Temporary Technical Authorization). Manufacturers must submit this request to the Technical Unit for Radioelectric Spectrum Control (UPTCER) at least 30 days before the samples arrive. This temporary permit is valid for up to three months while testing is conducted.

Applications are submitted directly to the General Directorate of Communications. Once any necessary local testing or document evaluation is completed and the corresponding fees are paid directly to the designated lab (along with a fixed certificate issuance fee of $50 USD for foreign entities), the authority has 10 business days to issue the official Homologation Certificate.

Staying ahead of LATAM's evolving regulatory landscape requires precise strategy and early preparation. By properly classifying your equipment, investigating the viability of your existing international test reports, and proactively managing the approval timeline, manufacturers can ensure a smooth and fully compliant entry into the Cuban market.