FAQs "frequently asked questions"

How often does transport take place?

The plan is to transport to Cuba every 8-10 weeks. However, this depends heavily on the number of interested parties/consignors!

How do I get the shipping boxes?

We no longer ship shipping boxes!
Since we now offer our shipping services throughout Europe, the effort is too costly! You can use your own packaging for shipping!
The dimensions of the cardboard boxes used must not exceed 90 cm in girth! (see 2.2 below)

1. How long does a transport take? / 2. And how do I know where my shipment is?

  1. The total transit time is similar to what you're used to with parcel services.
    While sea freight takes considerably longer than air freight, the total transit time until the shipment reaches its recipient will be similar or even shorter (and I know this from personal experience) than with conventional transport. When the containers containing your packages/shipments arrive in Cuba, they are accepted by representatives of our organization! Not by government agencies. Further processing is therefore immediate and without any waiting time.
  2. Of course, you will be kept constantly updated on the exact status of your shipment.
    Delivery to the parcel shop.
    Date and time of shipment.
    Date and time of arrival in Cuba.
    Processing of the delivery.
    Notification of the shipment's arrival at the recipient. (Although we believe the lucky recipient will probably be faster than us.)
  3. Example of the notification to you / Example: Sea freight Hapag-lloyd: See below:

Which foods are allowed to be imported into Cuba and which imports are prohibited?

The Cuban Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) has published a set of special regulations for the import of food products of animal and plant origin. These are consistent with the regulations adopted by the Cuban government for the import of basic products without restrictions and payment of customs duties.

Following the measures for the non-commercial import of food, medicines, and toiletries, Cuba remains barred from the importation of fresh, frozen, dried, or salted meat, as well as liquid milk and unpasteurized dairy products, due to existing sanitary regulations.
The regulations stipulate that the importation of canned beef, pork, and poultry into the island is permitted, provided it is properly labeled and bears recognized trademarks.
However, the source states that these products must come from countries eligible for Cuba, either based on their current animal health status or based on agreements between official veterinary authorities. These are Spain, Portugal, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.

Other products produced in these countries, such as sausage and powdered milk, are also subject to the new measures, which were introduced in response to the ongoing shortages of food and other basic products faced by Cubans.
There are now no restrictions on the origin of canned seafood, UHT lye, condensed milk, powdered milk and dairy desserts, pasteurized aged cheese, or products made from ultra-pasteurized milk.
The regulation stipulates that all products must be fully packaged, labeled, and sealed, and must come from recognized brands. It also states that food products with damaged or spoiled packaging will be confiscated and incinerated.

These standards are based on the international regulations of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and are intended to prevent the introduction of biological warfare agents into Cuba that could cause disease in animals or humans, the MINAG explained.
Regarding food of plant origin, the authorities have decided that no phytosanitary inspections or permits are required for the import of wine, spirits, juices, malt beverages, instant soups, fruit purees, vegetables, and other canned products.
The same applies to roasted and salted fruits, grains and seeds, roasted or ground coffee, oils and lard, as well as frozen products and sugar.
At the same time, food products that may contain pests, such as pasta, cereals, spices and shelled nuts, infusions, and flour, will also be subject to inspection.
According to the regulations, the import of fresh fruit and vegetables requires a phytosanitary permit or a certificate from the National Plant Health Protection Organization.

 

 

Why do I have to apply for membership to be able to book services?

No one is required to apply for membership. However, we can only offer our services to members! Otherwise, we risk being classified as a commercial organization by the tax authorities, and we would lose our non-profit status. Membership fees are deliberately kept very low and, in accordance with our statutes, ultimately serve a good cause.

Due to the frequently asked question: Why can you do this so cheaply

1. We are a non-profit organization and must not, and must not!, make any profits.

2. Through very well-developed logistics.

2.1. We do not require intermediate storage. Shipments are picked up from you and transported directly to the shipping warehouse/container. No storage costs!
2.2. Cardboard boxes must not exceed a girth of 90 cm! This means that the longest and shortest sides of the box must not exceed 90 cm together. Example: Length 60cm Width 50cm Height 30cm / 60 + 30 = 90 / so that we achieve optimal container loading.
Simply put, we use every cm³ of the container. This is only possible because we specify the box size.
Through this approach, we achieve container utilization that is more than twice as high as with conventional parcel shipping.
2.3. We have negotiated special conditions with our logistics partners: "Larger quantities, lower price."
2.4. We have our own employees as well as private transport service providers in Cuba and are not necessarily dependent on state-owned companies.