Travelers Can Take Cuban Products Into USA
The U.S. recently announced amendments which will permit travelers to the United States to import Cuban goods from third countries for personal use, meaning visitors to Bermuda can now purchase Cuban-origin merchandise, such as cigars, from local vendors, and take the products to the United States.
The U.S. Consulate in Bermuda said, “On October 14, the U.S. Treasury announced new amendments to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, which will permit travelers to the United States to import merchandise originating in Cuba from third countries, such as Bermuda, for personal use.
“Previous regulations did not permit travelers to legally take Cuban products into the United States from any location except Cuba.
“With the regulatory changes, visitors to Bermuda may purchase Cuban-origin merchandise such as alcohol or tobacco products from local vendors and take the products to the United States as accompanied baggage without value limitations.
“In all cases, the Cuban-origin goods must be imported for personal use, and normal limits on duty and tax exemptions will apply.”
U.S. Consul General Mary Ellen Koenig said, “I am pleased that U.S. policy has caught up with the wish of travelers to Bermuda to buy Cuban cigars and other popular products to take home for their enjoyment.
“These changes will benefit local vendors here in Bermuda and clear up some confusion stemming from earlier limitations on importation of Cuban goods to the United States.”
The Treasury announcement outlined a wide range of updates and changes in U.S. regulations on Cuba beyond the change on importation of Cuban goods.
In making the announcement, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob L. Lew pointed to President Obama’s historic announcement in December 2014 to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba and said that these additional “steps have the potential to accelerate constructive change and unlock greater economic opportunity for Cubans and Americans.”
Haven’t Americans been buying Cuban cigars here for years?
Yes – but they’ve been buying them for consumption on island only, not for bringing back to the USA in their luggage.
This change allows tourists to stock up on Cuban cigars here and bring them back for consumption in the USA. Currently Cuban cigars cannot be purchased legally in the USA.
This is potentially a benefit for local sellers of Cuban cigars in as much as tourists may now buy much more than they previously did solely for consumption while on island.
Oh I’m sure no one ever carried any of them home.
Point being that it’s easier now. Before, you had to take the label off or risk customs confiscating the product. Now you can just buy a box and bring it with you. Similarly, Americans will want Cuban rum and bring that back, too.
You could always buy them but you wernt allowed to enter the United States with them. That’s the difference.
Bulls**t and money.
I see CigarZEE coming up.
When people visit a country they want so etching local……so come get bermuda cigars not Cuban