The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced last week additional revisions to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

The revisions build on changes put into place by the two department earlier this year.

Certain categories of vessels, including cargo vessels are now authorized for temporary sojourns to Cuba and can remain in Cuba for up to 14 consecutive days. Aircraft on temporary sojourn can remain in Cuba for up to seven consecutive days.

U.S. companies are now allowed to establish a business presence in Cuba, including through joint ventures with Cuban entities, to provide telecommunications and internet-based services. They will also be allowed to import Cuban-origin mobile applications and to hire Cuban nationals to develop them.

U.S. individuals and companies in certain business sectors are how allowed to establish offices, retail outlets, and warehouses in Cuba. The businesses benefitting from this revision include news bureaus; exporters of agricultural products and construction materials; providers of cargo transportation services; providers of telecommunications or internet-based services; educational organizations; and religious organizations. These individuals and entities are also now authorized to employ Cuban nationals, open bank accounts in Cuba, employ U.S. nationals in Cuba, and export items to Cuba for use in establishing and operating their facilities Cuba.

Certain commodities and software for use in software development may be exported or reexported to eligible end-users in Cuba.