Is there a satisfactory/reasonable justification for the bar code to be missing from the Republica De Cuba stamp on a box of Cuban's purchased from an alleged reputable dealer?

Cubans aren't the most consistent people with packaging. If they AREN'T LE's I wouldn't be too worried about it unless it was a grey market dealer.

Vendor doesn't want to get busted by habanos SA for selling outside of their region

+1 from what I have read as well.

I have never had a box come with it missing that I can remember but have seen it from others that have shown me cc boxes. I wouldn't worry much about it, I know one place that is supposed to be reputable but for some reason takes the band's off before shipping.

Dealers response seems to be in line with #2 through #4 and thanks for the input.



"Boxes are sometimes opened for random inspections (mold, beetles, damages, etc), Bar codes are removed to protect sources."