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Last post 23 years ago by Huminie. 8 replies replies.
Cubans to the U.S.
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BrentM01 Offline
#1 Posted: Fri, Jun 16 2000, 8:18 AM EST
Joined: 05-30-2000
Posts: 343
Hello again friends. I recently inquired to a Swiss site about Cuban cigars. They advertised everything from Montecristo's to Cohiba's. My question to them was 'were there any restrictions to sending Cuban cigars to a U.S. address?' There reply was there were no restrictions in them selling Cuban's to the U.S but we are in fact not allowed to import them ( I actually knew this). They also added that small orders tended to pass customs with no problems and that they "Guarantee orders to the U.S.A" Any of you had any experience with this? Is this the loophole I've been waiting for? or just a clever promotional trap.
aberdeen Offline
#2 Posted: Fri, Jun 16 2000, 4:15 PM EST
Joined: 06-11-1999
Posts: 741
Yes I have had experience with this, not with this company, but a friend in the Netherlands was sending me cigars, and on the fourth shipment, the box was confiscated by customs, it does happen, and frequently, CA released the figures last month, and the numbers were very significant. Now when my friend or a co-employee come to this country, they legally bring in one box of Cubans and ship it to me from within this country. I don't see how they could guarantee the shipment, but who knows.
robnsue Offline
#3 Posted: Fri, Jun 16 2000, 6:36 PM EST
Joined: 02-23-2000
Posts: 269
Contrary to what many people may 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 also illegal for U.S. persons to buy, sell, trade, or otherwise 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 $55,000 per violation and in appropriate cases, criminal prosecution which may result in higher fines and/or imprisonment.

These prohibitions are applicable 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. Those sanctions have had the support of the last seven Administrations.

The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), administers the embargo of Cuba. Suspected embargo violations may be reported telephonically to OFAC's Enforcement Division at (202) 622-2430 or via facsimile at (202) 622-1657.

http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/cigars.htm
robnsue Offline
#4 Posted: Fri, Jun 16 2000, 6:37 PM EST
Joined: 02-23-2000
Posts: 269
I just cut and paste this from the link mentioned at the bottom of the last post.
aberdeen Offline
#5 Posted: Sat, Jun 17 2000, 6:35 AM EST
Joined: 06-11-1999
Posts: 741
it is illegal for any US citizen to bring Cuban cigars in this country, it is in fact legal, for citizens of foreign countries to bring one box of Cuban cigars into this country. The intent is to allow foreigners to be able to smoke Cubans while in this country, but one box is the limit. And because of this little loophole, I am able to get my Cubans.
smokin.joe Offline
#6 Posted: Sat, Jun 17 2000, 12:01 PM EST
Joined: 12-25-1999
Posts: 85
These seems to contradict what happened to a Canadian friend of mine. He was traveling to the USA from Vancouver, and while go through American customers (at the Vancouver airport), they asked if he had cigars. He said yes. They confiscated several La Gloria Cubanos that they thought were Cuban (they were Dom.Rep).
soothesayer Offline
#7 Posted: Sat, Jun 17 2000, 12:41 PM EST
Joined: 09-06-1999
Posts: 74
Since we have all engaged in these transactions some point and in one of the above mentioned illegal categories I guess we all have to turn eachother in Huh?
aberdeen Offline
#8 Posted: Sat, Jun 17 2000, 6:11 PM EST
Joined: 06-11-1999
Posts: 741
I got my information from CA as in the past they have repeated the law a few times, I presume it is correct, and the US customs should not have been able to confiscate cigars from a Canadian citizen, it is even more pathetic that they weren't even Cuban cigars! Too bad China can't make cigars as good as Cuba.
Huminie Offline
#9 Posted: Mon, Jun 19 2000, 1:53 PM EST
Joined: 04-20-2000
Posts: 17
I have done a lot of research on this subject lately, and I can clear a few things up. (Yes, research...not practice.)

First, it is illegal for anyone to bring Cuban cigars into the US. This includes visitors from other countries bringing in a personal stash.

Second, it is illegal for US citizens to partake in any exchange of Cuban cigars.

Does this mean you can't get them? Heck no.

First find a reliable source. (Hint: Research overseas companies on www.cigarbargins.com) Fakes are very common!!!

Many sources will, as mentioned, "Guarantee orders to the U.S.A". How is this possible? you may ask. Easy. They send them by a courier which tracks shipments. If they get held up in customs, then they will send you another shipment. Yes, it is true. So, what happens to you if a shippment destined for you is caught? Nadda. You were never in possesion of the illegal contra band...they can't prove you requested the shipment either. You simply get a letter that says your shipment was confiscated. That is it. I am not endorsing this, as I mentioned earlier it is illegal, but I thought you should know the reality. Again...beware of fakes!!!
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