Import and export of precious metals and stones to Cuba

Resolution 27 of 2002 of the Central Bank of Cuba, which establishes the Standards on the import and export of precious metals and precious stones by natural persons, dictates that natural persons may freely import precious metals such as gold and silver in raw, semi-worked and powder form.

The Resolution itself establishes that individuals may also freely import precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds in rough, cut, and unset forms.

For the importation of such goods, it is only required to present to the control of the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba, the accreditation of the legal origin of these goods, and show the non-commercial and non-profit nature of its importation.

The importation of precious metals and precious stones into Cuba must only be formalized, as established by current legislation, in the Customs Declaration for Passengers.

Passengers must formalize the importation of precious metals and precious stones, using the corresponding Declaration of Value, to officials at the General Customs Office of the Republic of Cuba upon arrival in the country if they intend to export these goods upon departure from Cuba, that is, to take them with them. This is established by current regulations.

If a passenger intends to export precious metals and stones, in any of the registered forms, without having previously declared the import of these goods upon entry to Cuba, then the passenger must obtain authorization from the Operations Directorate of the Central Bank of Cuba.

The Resolution establishes that those jewelry and goldsmithing made with precious metals and stones that wish to be imported or exported must be subject to current regulations on Cultural heritage.

It is important to know that the export of precious metals and stones, in any of the registered forms, is strictly prohibited for Cuban citizens and permanent residents of the island who permanently emigrate from Cuba.

Collectible pieces

Resolution 482 of 1981, issued by the then National Bank of Cuba, states that collectors residing abroad must submit a sworn declaration to the General Customs Office of the Republic of Cuba if they bring with them:

—Coins of any denomination and country, made of gold, silver, or any other precious metal, legal tender or demonetized.

—Coins of other metals of any denomination and/or banknotes from foreign national banks that are not legal tender.

—Medals, orders, decorations and tokens of any metal.

The export of collectible items must be authorized by the Central Bank of Cuba upon departure. The Central Bank of Cuba will also allow the export of collections from foreigners residing in Cuba for more than 180 days and leaving the country, provided that these citizens submit, 30 days in advance, a sworn declaration of receipts proving transactions carried out on the island to the Numismatic Museum, in addition to the items themselves, for proper inspection.