U.S. amend Cuba Trade Restrictions

The U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Department of Commerce have amended regulations that will facilitate commercial contact with Cuba, without signaling an end to the longstanding U.S. embargo of that country.

For U.S. exporters, there are two important changes. First, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has amended regulations to greatly expand the range of commercial telecommunications transactions with Cuba, such as cellular and satellite communications. In addition, OFAC has authorized a general license that will enable employees of producers or distributors of medical or agricultural products (including food) to travel to Cuba to engage in the marketing, sales negotiation, accompanied delivery, or servicing in Cuba of agricultural commodities, medicine, or medical devices eligible under the Department of Commerce's export or re-export licensing policy to Cuba.

All previous travel to Cuba was required to take place pursuant to a specific license issued by OFAC.