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Sale of Medicine

Medicine Sales

The U.S. embargo does not deny medicines and medical supplies to the Cuban people. In fact, on March 20, 1998, President Clinton announced that the U.S. government would take steps to expedite the sales and donations of medicines to Cuba. This was done through the streamlining of export procedures for medicines and medical equipment, and reduction in license processing time.

Sales and Donations of Medicines and Medical Supplies to Cuba

The United States does not deny most medicines and medical supplies to the Cuban people. On the contrary, individuals and groups in the U.S. donate or sell millions of dollars in medicines to the Cuban people.

U.S. Policy

The Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 established that the export of medicines and medical equipment to Cuba shall not be restricted under the embargo. The U.S. government is authorized to issue licenses for the sale of medicine and medical supplies to Cuba. The major requirement for obtaining a license is to arrange for proper end-use monitoring. End-use monitoring ensures that the items will be used for their intended purpose and only for the benefit of the Cuban people.

Drug Store Licensing of Medical Sales

  • All exports of medicines and medical equipment for sale or donation must be licensed by the Department of Commerce. Those seeking additional information should contact the Commerce Department's Bureau of Export Control (BXA) at (202) 482-4252.
  • Travel licenses for representatives of medical sales companies are issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in the Department of Treasury. They can be contacted at (202) 622-2480.
  • All agencies involved in the licensing process are striving to reduce license processing time by 50% or more.
  • The Department of Commerce is making information available on how to complete a license application for the export of medicines and medical equipment to Cuba. This is available on Commerce's website: http://www.bxa.doc.gov

End-Use Monitoring

  • Monitoring can be performed by independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, religious or charitable groups, or other entities subject to Department of Commerce approval.


Office of Foreign Assets Control


[Last update: November 8, 1999]

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