San Francisco, February 19 (RHC)-- Apple Inc. has removed Cuba from its restricted country list for foreign trade, reflecting the fact that some of its hardware and software are now legally eligible to be exported to the Caribbean country, according to an AppleInsider news report on Wednesday.

Apple's new stance is in accordance with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, which recently amended its Export Administration Regulations. The changes create an exception for Consumer Communication Devices, under a license entitled "Support For The Cuban People."

In addition, the Cuban Asset Control Regulations were also updated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, authorizing export and reexports of items authorized by the BIS.

The relaxed government policies follow an announcement from U.S. President Barack Obama, who said in December that new rules easing the U.S. government's stance toward Cuba would take effect.

The new rules related to consumer electronics and software allow devices to be sold to Cuban state- owned, operated companies and corporations for resale to the Cuban people. U.S. companies can also provide services such as cloud storage, as well as support and services related to the use of hardware and software.