The Official Gazette of the Republic published several regulations this Friday. Aimed at reorganizing the legal framework for Cuban domestic trade. In a context marked by the growing importance of non-state economic actors and the need to simplify procedures for engaging in commercial activity.
The provisions, which include decrees 167 and 168, as well as several complementary resolutions, were presented at a press conference. By the head of the Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin), Betsy Díaz Velázquez, along with her management team.
Aida González Bravo, Mincin’s Marketing Director, explained that decree 167, entitled “On Domestic Trade.” It provides the agency with a legal instrument that facilitates the regulation of commercial activities in all their forms.
The directive emphasized that the regulation is based on principles such as transparency, sustainability, and the public interest. She reaffirmed that consumer protection remains a priority for the ministry and its institutions.
On an operational level, Decree 168 develops the Regulations of the Central Commercial Registry. With a focus on the application of information and communication technologies.
Arley Raymond Friol, head of the Central Commercial Registry, explained that compliance will be mandatory for all individuals and legal entities authorized to conduct domestic trade.
The regulation defines what constitutes a commercial establishment. It establishes the requirement to submit a declaration of responsibility to begin operations. Also it stipulates that establishments that do not operate in the national currency must pay their license fees in foreign currency.
It also establishes a system of administrative penalties for those who violate its provisions, in accordance with current regulations.
Resolution 23 establishes a classification system for commercial establishments. Grouping them according to their characteristics and the products they sell. While also setting the technical requirements for commercial activities.
Resolutions 25 and 195, for their part, define the applicable fees in national currency and foreign currency, respectively. For the services provided by the Central Commercial Registry.
Resolution 15, entitled “Improvement of Wholesale Trade,” also has a repealing character, rendering previous regulations ineffective.
During the conference, Yenisleydis Anazagate Traba, legal director of the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN). She explained that the new regulations reduce and adapt existing classifications, clearly define the commercial network and supply chain. And grant a 90-day period to central government agencies to adapt their internal procedures.
Minister Betsy Díaz Velázquez noted that the regulatory update responds to the predominance of non-state economic actors in commercial activities. It is part of the economic and social transformations undertaken by the country.
Díaz Velázquez highlighted concrete advantages of the new regulations. Such as the simplification of the legal framework and the introduction of comprehensive licenses that allow for multiple activities to be carried out in a single establishment.
E-commerce is formally incorporated as a recognized modality, and the priority of employment is maintained. While the use of electronic payment channels is mandated as a technical and formal requirement for operation.
With these regulations, the Ministry of Domestic Trade seeks not only to update the legal framework. But also to reduce bureaucratic delays and respond to a reality where non-state actors constitute a pillar of the sector. Without losing sight of the public interest and consumer protection.
With information from CNA
- Trump Announces He’s Seizing Venezuela’s Oil - 29 de August de 2026
- Cuba Updates Legal Framework for Domestic Trade - 29 de August de 2026
- If You Stop With Me, You Move Forward Safely - 29 de August de 2026