Ever dreamt of bringing back a few authentic Cuban cigars from your exotic vacation? But wait, is it even legal to bring back those precious Cuban treats into the United States? You must have heard mixed opinions about this, which leaves you wondering what the real story is. Well, don't stress any further because we've got all the answers you need right here. Read on to find out whether you can really bring the luxurious Cuban cigars back home and if so, how many?
Can You Bring Cuban Cigars Into The Us Table of Contents
Current Rules for Bringing Cuban Cigars to the US
For decades, Cuban cigars and other Cuban products were banned in the United States due to the economic embargo on Cuba. However, things began to change in 2014 when the Obama administration decided to ease some restrictions on American citizens traveling to Cuba. In 2016, they took it a step further with new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) to allow for personal consumption of Cuban cigars and rum to be brought back to the US.
Limits on Quantity and Value
According to the new guidelines, you can now bring back Cuban cigars and rum to the US for personal use, but there are specific limits that you must adhere to:
- If you're coming from Cuba, you can bring up to 100 cigars or $800 worth of cigars without having to pay any import duties.
- If you're coming from a country other than Cuba, the limit is 50 cigars or up to $800 worth of cigars, again without import duties.
- In both cases, if your cigars are valued over $800, you will have to pay duties and taxes on the amount exceeding the $800 limit.
Personal Use Only
It's essential to remember that the new regulations permit the import of Cuban cigars for personal use only. This means that you cannot sell or resell the cigars in the United States. So, if you were thinking of starting a small Cuban cigars business in your hometown, you might want to abandon that idea.
Online Purchases and Gifting of Cuban Cigars
Unfortunately, even with the new regulations, it's still not legal to buy Cuban cigars online or receive them as gifts through mail. The changes only affect the physical import of cigars by travelers returning from abroad. So, if you wish to enjoy a Cuban cigar, you have to get it yourself and bring it back with you.
Can You Bring Cuban Cigars Into The Us Example:
Imagine going on an exciting trip to Havana and enjoying the vibrant culture, fantastic food, and exotic beaches. And of course, you cannot miss out on trying out some of the finest cigars in the world while you're there. So, you decide to bring back a box containing 25 luxurious Cuban cigars from the famous Cohiba brand. The total value of the box is $600. Since you're coming directly from Cuba and the value of the cigars does not exceed $800, you can bring back the cigars without any import duties. Just make sure to save the cigars for yourself or share them with friends and family, as selling them in the US would be illegal.
Now that you're all set with the knowledge of whether you can bring Cuban cigars into the US and the legal limits, all you need to do is plan your next trip and enjoy these treasured cigars without any worries. However, don't forget that each person's experience with Cuban cigars may vary. This is just a starting point, and it's essential to gather more trusted information to make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
At Swinger Cigars, we're here to provide you with everything you need to know about cigars and the luxury lifestyle. If you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with your fellow cigar enthusiasts and explore our other comprehensive guides as well. Happy smoking!
