Why are certain electronic items forbidden when you travel to Cuba?

These things are allowed into Cuba and are not forbidden. But you are asking regarding gift-giving.

A lot of it can depend on the communication and/or voltage system and whether it coincides or not. Not all cells work everywhere and you have to make sure service can be provided.

Supposing the same for a GPS system and its programming.

As for DVD players, that might a voltage situation.

What you can do is perhaps buy these items over there as a gift if you prefer.

They would want to make sure you're not bringing anything in as an 'imported' item for sale.

The links below can help you see what you can take (as donation/gifts)...you'll see that laptops are allowed for that purpose too. (As long as you inform them what it's for.)

**Edit: sorry if you misunderstood what I was saying. I mentioned these things because that can be why some things are not permitted. But the links I included showed that things like this can be allowed (eg. laptops)

These items are not forbidden items and can be brought in....

But GPS systems are considered 'regulated' items...which is what I was trying to explain earlier.

Permitted if you bring them in as your personal items...and two, even if you bring them for a friend. You may just need to inform them that it's a gift.

What I included was what customs won't allow in (as many do want to bring those as gifts)...

But those items you listed are allowed in.

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EDIT: I remembered your question and found this news article today.

http://news.sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/abc/World/Content...