Members of the public have frequently asked how they can provide humanitarian assistance to people in Cuba, especially following Hurricane Melissa. The U.S. government continues to enforce the embargo on Cuba but prioritizes support for the Cuban population through exemptions and authorizations for exports of food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods. When export licenses are required, U.S. authorities can expedite the review process to ensure timely delivery of these goods.
According to information from the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), there are several general license authorizations under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) that facilitate humanitarian activities. For example, transactions related to donating food to nongovernmental organizations or individuals in Cuba are not restricted by CACR § 515.206(b). Additionally, CACR § 515.533 allows transactions connected to exporting licensed items from the United States or third countries to Cuba.
Carrier services between the United States and Cuba are also permitted under certain conditions without a specific OFAC license, as outlined in CACR § 515.572(a). However, separate authorization may be needed for some vessels or aircraft, and current regulations limit passenger and cargo air services.
Other sections of CACR authorize travel-related transactions supporting recognized human rights organizations and NGOs promoting civil society (§ 515.574), as well as projects directly benefiting Cubans such as medical initiatives or disaster response (§ 515.575). Infrastructure projects that benefit Cuban citizens—including those involving transportation, water management, energy distribution, hospitals, housing, and schools—are covered under § 515.591.
For activities not already exempted or authorized by general licenses, OFAC considers specific license requests on a case-by-case basis and gives priority to those related to humanitarian aid for Cubans.
The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) generally requires a license for exports or reexports subject to Export Administration Regulations (EAR). While most such exports face a policy of denial, exceptions exist for medicines and medical devices; telecommunications equipment improving communication; aviation safety items; and environmental protection equipment—including those related to renewable energy.
BIS reviews other categories on a case-by-case basis if they meet needs of the Cuban population—even when intended for state-owned enterprises serving citizens.
There is also a license exception specifically for gift parcels under Section 740.12(a) of EAR. Individuals may send one parcel per month per eligible recipient in Cuba containing food, most medicines or medical supplies, communications devices, or similar items normally exchanged as gifts—provided recipients are not officials of the Cuban Government or Communist Party nor organizations controlled by them. The total value cannot exceed $800 per parcel except for food donations.
Anyone with questions about sending aid can contact relevant agencies via provided phone numbers or email addresses such as CubaHumanitarian@state.gov.