Section 4 · Sending things to Cuba
Shipping to Cuba in the post-Decree-Law 108 era
Whether you're sending medicine to a parent in Camagüey, a generator to a small business in Holguín, or buying food from a private vendor in Havana for delivery to your aunt — the rules changed materially in April 2026. Here's what is legal, what is restricted, and what is now outright prohibited.
Methods
Air · Sea · In-country
Medicine allowance
≈ 10 kg
Decree-Law 108
Apr 21, 2026
Max fine
3× declared value
Decree-Law 108 is now in force
Effective April 21, 2026, Cuba's new customs law bans drones, GPS units and satellite phones; prohibits packages addressed to third parties; and authorizes fines of up to 3× the value of undeclared or non-compliant goods.
Explore this topic
Shipping by air
Freight forwarders, transit times, and per-kilo pricing on the Miami–Havana corridor.
Shipping by sea
20- and 40-foot containers, palletized cargo, and the realistic timeline from Miami to Mariel.
Sending food to Cuba
Personal-use limits, customs categories, and what private vendors inside Cuba can deliver.
Sending medicine to Cuba
≈10 kg personal allowance, original packaging, and prescription documentation.
Sending clothes & shoes
Per-shipment limits, used-goods rules, and the realistic cost per kilo.
Sending e-bikes
Battery, motor, and value thresholds that trigger commercial duty.
Sending generators
Wattage classifications, fuel-type rules, and what's now restricted.
Supporting your family
Remittances, in-country sourcing, and combining methods to maximize impact.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still send a package to a friend or neighbor in Cuba?
Under Decree-Law 108, packages must be addressed to a direct family member of the sender. Third-party shipments can be confiscated and fined.
What's the cheapest way to support family in Cuba right now?
For perishables, sourcing from a private vendor inside Cuba is almost always faster and cheaper than air freight from the U.S. For durable goods like clothing or electronics, sea cargo wins on price; air wins on speed.
Stay informed
Cuban and U.S. regulations change frequently. Browse our other sections to keep your trip, your shipment, or your family support on solid ground.
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