I have been smoking cigars for many years. I love Cuban cigars. I do have one question, What stops for example a a cigar company in Dom. Rep. purchasing Cuban Tob., rolling it locally and then selling it to the US market.

I'm pretty sure that any product that uses components originating in Cuba is illegal to import.

quote:

What stops for example a a cigar company in Dom. Rep. purchasing Cuban Tob

Cuba, or more specifically Habanos S.A., does not sell it's tobacco to cigar companies.

I'm sure ryj7x47 could shed some more insight on this...

That is not true, I have a friend in Europe that purchases Cuban Tob.

Sure they do and does their aunt have a second cousin who is married to a girl who has a kid from a different marriage who has a friend who has a kid who is friends with the guy at the factory who sneaks it out the back?

The purchase, dealing, or importation of products of a Cuban origin is prohibited under U.S. law.

31 C.F.R. § 515.204 Importation of and dealings in certain merchandise.

(a) Except as specifically authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury (or any person, agency, or instrumentality designated by him) by means of regulations, rulings, instructions, licenses, or otherwise, no person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States may purchase, transport, import, or otherwise deal in or engage in any transaction with respect to any merchandise outside the United States if such merchandise:

(1) Is of Cuban origin; or

(2) Is or has been located in or transported from or through Cuba; or

(3) Is made or derived in whole or in part of any article which is the growth, produce or manufacture of Cuba.

Lawstudent posted it.
Cigars made outside Cuba but using Cuban tobacco are illegal.
However tobacco grown outside Cuba using Cuban seed is legal.