The Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba published new regulations from the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) to implement the approved transformations in the sector, particularly the reorganization of wholesale trade, the creation of supply and neighborhood markets, and the updating of regulations for food establishments within the Family Support System.
Betsy DÃaz Velázquez, head of MINCIN, explained that the new regulations aim to improve the organization, control, and quality of services.
The “Neighborhood Market” project is currently being implemented. Given the limited supply of basic goods for the regulated family food basket and the current complex national situation, primarily due to the intensified blockade and the US energy embargo, it has been approved as part of the necessary transformations. Its purpose is to offer the population a range of essential products, which, through tax incentives, will impact prices and provide preferential treatment for the most vulnerable members of society.
Regarding the tax benefits, Yenisley Ortiz, Vice Minister of Finance and Prices, elaborated, explaining that, among other things, a 10% discount on wholesale sales tax and a 5% discount on retail sales tax will be established.
“The regulations for the operation of the wholesale market are now in effect. This market represents an alternative for reorganizing wholesale trade, allowing direct access for individuals and businesses,” the Minister stated.
As stipulated, these markets will be able to operate with various economic actors, prioritize high-demand products, and function in both Cuban pesos and foreign currency, with invoice issuance, electronic payments, and e-commerce.
The regulation also specifies that the creation of these markets will depend on the characteristics of the territory, the demand, and the physical conditions of the facilities, which may include warehouses, large stores, and open areas.
They will also be preferably located in urban and suburban areas with good road connections, easy access, and parking facilities for cargo and light vehicles.
In parallel, the Minister of Domestic Trade referred to Resolution 14/2026, which updates the regulations for the operation of food service establishments within the Family Support System (SAF).
Agreement 10418/2026 was also published, establishing the responsibilities of the Central State Administration agencies involved in the Family Support System.
The regulations also include the responsibilities of governors and mayors, as well as the heads of the organizational structures of the provincial and municipal People’s Power administrations, and provide for the expansion of service provider participation and actions to improve service quality and continue supporting the actions required by the country’s demographic situation.
It is reaffirmed that the service is aimed at elderly people living alone, people with disabilities without any support, families in situations of social vulnerability, and, exceptionally, pregnant women in families requiring nutritional support.
The new regulations also broaden the service delivery methods, including state entities with worker cafeterias, non-state management models, and non-profit institutions or associations, in addition to community food centers in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
Furthermore, they establish obligations for monitoring, follow-up, beneficiary registration, sanitary requirements, the development of menus with adequate nutritional content, and coordination with other institutions in the territory.
The Minister reaffirmed the country’s decision to move forward with subsidizing people, not products.
The publication of these provisions reinforces the goal of regulating the country’s commercial and social activity, with greater participation from economic actors, improved institutional oversight, and a more flexible service offering that is better aligned with the needs of the population.
[ SOURCE: CUBA DEBATE ]
