Legal Cuban Cigars ?

Forget about all the rumors you've heard.

The following has been taken directly from a letter sent to the members of the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America, Inc. from the Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury.

While very definitive, keep in mind that this letter was dated June 1, 1995.

"Only persons returning directly from Cuba after a licensed visit there are permitted to bring Cuban cigars into the United States, provided the domestic value of such cigars does not exceed 100 U.S. dollars and the cigars are for the person's personal use and not for resale. Inasmuch as all other importations of Cuban cigars are illegal, you must assume that all offers to buy or sell such cigars in the United States involve cigars that are imported illegally. Contrary to what many people believe, it is illegal for travelers to bring into the United States Cuban cigars acquired in third countries (such as Canada, England, or Mexico).

"It is illegal for U.S. persons to buy, sell, trade, give away, or otherwise engage in (or offer to engage in) transactions involving illegally - imported Cuban cigars. The penalties for doing so include, in addition to confiscation of the cigars, civil fines of up to $50,000 per violation and, in appropriate cases, criminal prosecution which may result in imprisonment.

"We recognize that the prohibitions that apply to Cuban cigars may deprive many consumers of a sought-after product. However, these prohibitions apply to all goods of Cuban origin and are an important element of the comprehensive program of economic sanctions against the Cuban government which have been in place since 1963. These sanctions have had the full support of the past seven Administrations and were further tightened by President Clinton in August 1994."

So, that tells us that if we were on a licensed visit to Cuba we could bring back a few real Cuban cigars for personal consumption. 

 

More Below:

 

In the United States, cigars from Cuba are considered contraband. As a result, Cuban cigars are highly desired as "forbidden fruit."

Incredibly, most of the cigars that are secretly sold as "from Cuba" are in fact made in Florida.

Famous Cuban brands are forged. The process is quite simple, especially since there are no trade agreements with Cuba to forbid such a practice. The phony (but actually quite good) cigars are distributed worldwide as genuine Cuban cigars.

Ironically, some experts can't tell that the cigars are counterfeit because they are SO GOOD! It is truly amazing how the richest and creamiest flavor that Cuban cigars are noted for, is maintained in this duplication process.

 

| Home | Accessories | Cigars |