Wiliam Pérez González, the First Deputy Chief of Cuba's Customs, announced the confiscation of more than 2,000 Cuban cigars hidden in a traveler's luggage, as the individual attempted to smuggle them out of the country.
Pérez González detailed on the social media platform X that the haul consisted of "over 2,200 cigars from various brands," intercepted at Havana Airport. Photos shared by the source revealed some cigars, including several Cohíba brand cigars, wrapped in newspaper.
The official emphasized that "customs forces remain vigilant in combating illegal activities for a Secure Border."
Customs Regulations and Compliance
He further mentioned that the export of cigars from Cuba must comply with the guidelines set forth in Resolution 98/2022 by the Ministry of Agriculture (GOC-2022-332-EX28), which specifies the quantities and documentation required at the border.
Pérez did not clarify whether the seizure occurred over a specific period or disclose the number of individuals involved.
Defining "Twisted Tobacco"
The regulations concerning the non-commercial export and import of twisted tobacco (cigars) outline the applicable standards, adapting them to current conditions to aid Customs, particularly in managing travelers' luggage.
The official document describes "twisted tobacco" as a product made solely from tobacco leaves or cuttings, wrapped with "capote" and "capa" leaves.
Traveler Guidelines and Packaging Requirements
Mandatory Declaration: All travelers departing the country must declare any hand-rolled cigars to Customs.
Non-commercial Limits: Up to 20 individual cigars without an invoice, and up to 50 in original packaging without an invoice.
More than 50 units: An official invoice or authorization document from Habanos S.A. is required.
Special Cases: Humidors or cases purchased at the Havana Festival are permitted if accompanied by an official document from Habanos S.A.
Packaging must be sealed and include the following elements:
- Brand logo, DOP "Habanos" seal or sticker.
- National Guarantee Seal of origin, featuring a barcode and hologram.
- Inscription at the bottom: “Habanos S.A.”, “Made in Cuba”, “Totally hand-made”.
- Factory code and manufacturing date.
The Cuban Tobacco Business Group must inform Customs of any changes in these authentication elements. Failure to comply with these rules results in the confiscation of goods according to current customs legislation, without prejudice to potential legal consequences.
Recent Seizures and Anti-Smuggling Efforts
In September, Cuba's Customs seized more than 7,300 loose cigars and 64 boxes at Havana Airport after detecting an illegal extraction attempt without invoices or documents verifying their legal origin.
This confiscation is part of ongoing efforts by Customs to curb tobacco smuggling, which is considered one of the primary products at risk of illegal trafficking in the country. The agency reiterated its commitment to maintaining controls at ports and airports to detect such operations and act against individuals attempting to smuggle goods without authorization.
In another recent incident, Cuba's Customs thwarted an attempt to smuggle over 4,500 counterfeit cigars, also at Havana International Airport. Days earlier, they intercepted the contraband of more than 4,400 loose cigars with bands, intended to be taken out of the country without declaration at the same airport.
Cuban Customs and Cigar Regulations FAQ
What are the limits for exporting cigars from Cuba?
Travelers can export up to 20 individual cigars without an invoice and up to 50 in original packaging without an invoice. For more than 50 units, an official invoice or document from Habanos S.A. is necessary.
What happens if someone fails to declare their cigars?
Failure to declare cigars results in the confiscation of the goods according to current customs legislation, and it may lead to legal consequences.
What are the packaging requirements for cigars?
Cigar packaging must be sealed, featuring the brand logo, a DOP "Habanos" seal or sticker, a National Guarantee Seal with a barcode and hologram, and an inscription stating “Habanos S.A.”, “Made in Cuba”, “Totally hand-made”.