Why Cuban Cigars are Illegal in the USA

Cuban cigars have long had regarded as the greatest. Still, if American cigar enthusiasts wish to enjoy them, they must do it illegally because Cuban cigars are illegal in the United States. The restriction goes back to February 1962, when President John F. Kennedy imposed rigorous trade restrictions on all Cuban goods; the prohibition remains in effect because Cuba is still a totalitarian communist regime. Somehow, Cuban cigars were illegal in the United States for political reasons. Yet, there have been several developments in the recent ten years.

Meanwhile, this was not always the case, and the rules may alter once more with the incoming government. After President Kennedy imposed the moratorium in 1962, nothing has attempted to eliminate it. In reality, multiple presidents following Kennedy ensured that it remained in place until Fidel Castro, the president of Cuba, died on November 25, 2016, when the relations between the United States and Cuba eventually improved. That isn’t so much what would be in Cuban cigars as they originate from, making them prohibited. Those who have tried authentic Cuban cigars will tell us that they are unique, but this is not why they are illegal in the United States.

There are many countries that produce cigars, but Cuba is known to be the best. Plus, being illegal, makes Cuban cigars a little more alluring.

A Brief Overview of How the Unites States Regulates the Cuban Cigar

In February 1962, President John F. Kennedy imposed a trade embargo against all Cuban imports, including the Cuban Cigar. By Executive Order in 1962, John F. Kennedy strengthened the embargo by expanding the coverage of limitations. That included a prohibition on Cuban-origin commodities, regardless of if they were made or produced outside of Cuba. After years, several financial and travel restrictions were relaxed during President Obama’s tenure, making it more straightforward for US citizens to go to Cuba and purchase Cuban goods. Modifications had made in 2016, and it is now permissible to have Cuban cigars in your possession if you bought them while visiting Cuba.

After Cuban president Fidel Castro’s death on November 25, 2016, many developments have occurred in the United States-Cuba partnership. Despite efforts by some to rally support for easing the embargo, the Cuban trade embargo has projected to continue in place. President Barack Obama has removed certain travel and business prohibitions on American citizens. Previously, even when going overseas, US residents could not lawfully obtain or consume Cuban cigars. They can now legally smoke Cuban cigars and give them to family and friends, but they can’t buy or sell them in the United States, making it difficult for cigar smokers to get their hands on the best Cuban cigars. Americans may carry up to 100 cigars or four boxes of cigars back from Cuba until 2020. As provided, they were for personal use anyway and not for business reasons. Sadly for cigar enthusiasts in the United States, President Trump tightened the laws during September 2020. You can no longer bring alcohol or tobacco from Cuba into the United States, even if it is a gift or for personal use.

It is indeed true that Cuban cigars are illegal in the USA. The importation of Cuban cigars, both for commercial and personal consumption, is prohibited in the United States. The reason is due to the political connections between the United States and Cuba, not what is in the composition of these cigarette products. Unfortunately, the days of bringing in a box of Cuban cigars are long gone because President Trump brought back the minor changes into its original one.