The Cuban regime approved new regulations that prohibit the import of plants and plant products to the Island, in an attempt to protect the Greater Antilles from possible “diseases” and “pests” originating abroad.
These regulations were established in Resolution 27-2024 of the Ministry of Agriculture (Minag), which was published in the Official Gazette on February 21. With this, the Castro government affirms that it seeks to protect the national flora from phytosanitary damage, a risk that occurs when importing vegetation to a country.
According to these new regulations, the entry of multiple items is prohibited unless they comply with strict control measures.
Among the prohibited vegetation are live plant species and their parts (seeds, flowers and cut foliage); food products in natural or semi-processed form (grains, fruits and vegetables); feed and fodder; Forest products; packaging susceptible to carrying pests; land, among others.
The Plant Health Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture was in charge of authorizing these regulations, noting that the inspectors at the points of entry to the country will be in charge of authorizing or denying the entry of non-commercial items, provided that their phytosanitary status permits. allows and its origins do not represent a risk for the Island.
According to the authorities, products suitable for human consumption, such as teas, chamomile and dried fruits (that are in sealed containers), as well as crafts made of wood, will be able to enter the country under some conditions.
In this sense, it is noted that persons or entities interested in carrying out this type of imports must provide detailed information and request permission in advance.
These persons, natural or legal, must guarantee that the storage and conservation regulations established by the new regulations are met, this to maintain phytosanitary standards.
Any import approved under this regulation may be inspected and analyzed in a laboratory upon arrival in Cuba. If the requirements established by the regime are not met, the entry of these products into the national territory may be prohibited.
With this, the resolution repeals all previous regulations and establishes validity as of 60 calendar days after its publication in the Official Gazette. In the event that the items do not comply with the established standards, the importers will be held responsible for the expenses derived from the disinfection actions or any measure that must be taken.
