Cuba: Revisions to Gift Parcel and Baggage Restrictions, Creation of License Exception for Donated Consumer Communications Devices and Expansion of Licensing Policy Regarding Telecommunications

This rule revises two existing License Exceptions concerning exports and reexports of gift parcels to Cuba and of personal baggage taken by individuals leaving the United States for travel to Cuba. It also creates a new License Exception authorizing the export and reexport to Cuba of certain donated consumer communications devices, including certain computers and software, mobile phones, and satellite receivers. Finally, this rule revises the scope of existing licensing policy regarding certain telecommunications links including satellite radio and satellite television services. These actions are among those directed by the President on April 13, 2009 to enhance the free flow of information to and from Cuba and to promote contacts between Americans and their relatives who reside in Cuba as a means of encouraging positive change in Cuba and are consistent with the ongoing support the United States has provided to individuals and nongovernmental organizations that support democracy-building efforts in Cuba. These actions do not suspend or terminate the United States embargo of Cuba.