The BIS has implemented the eased export restrictions, first signed into law by President Obama on April 13rd, 2009. The BIS's Export Arms Regulations are now updated to reflect the following changes:
The measures will allow items normally exchanged between individuals as gifts to be included in gift parcels going to Cuba and remove the requirement that gift parcels be sent only to members of the donor’s immediate family. Gift parcels may now be sent from an individual in the United States to an individual or an independent religious, educational, or charitable organization in Cuba.
The amendment also raises the value limit for gift parcels from $400 to $800 and increases the number of parcels that an individual donor may send each month from one parcel per household to one parcel per donee.
The EAR update removes the 44-pound limit on personal baggage that previously applied to travelers to Cuba and creates a new License Exception that authorizes exports and re-exports to Cuba of donated personal communications devices such as mobile phone systems, computers and software, satellite receivers and digital cameras.
Read the complete press release at the BIS news page.
The BIS has also posted a helpful question-and-answer document, including the facts on what changes were made, who is eligible to send donations, and what limits there are on donations, baggage, and telecommunication devices.
Introduction to Automating Export Compliance
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