US designates Cuba as ‘Not Fully Cooperating’ on counterterrorism, bans all defence exports

The United States has officially designated Cuba as a ‘Not Fully Cooperating Country’ (‘NFCC’) under the Arms Export Control Act, effectively prohibiting the sale or licensing of defence articles and services to the country, the State Department announced Tuesday.

The designation follows a determination by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Cuba did not fully cooperate with US counterterrorism efforts in 2024. The assessment cited at least 11 US fugitives residing in Cuba, including individuals facing terrorism-related charges, with Cuban authorities refusing to discuss their return for prosecution. The US also cited other instances of non-cooperation on terrorism-related law enforcement matters, making collaboration untenable throughout the year.

Cuba joins North Korea, Iran, Syria and Venezuela, which have also been re-certified as NFCCs.

While Cuba was already subject to extensive US sanctions, including restrictions under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (‘ITAR’) and the Export Administration Regulations (‘EAR’), the NFCC certification now explicitly and formally bans any sales or licensing of US defense-related exports to the country. Prior to this designation, such transactions may have been possible under specific conditions, but the new determination removes any legal pathway for these exports.

The US government stated it would continue to promote international cooperation on counterterrorism issues and enforce measures against countries that fail to fully engage in counterterrorism efforts.

https://www.state.gov/certification-of-cuba-as-a-not-fully-cooperating-country