Habano box label question

[flathead59]

Folks, I've got a question. I don't normally get a chance to see many (any) Cuban cigars or the boxes that contain them. I have read, though, that they are now putting holographic labels on their boxes to made it more difficult for counterfeiters. A couple of weeks ago I flew back to the US from overseas, and spent a little while in the humidor in the airport's Duty Free store. They had most of the Habano brands I've read about, but not a single box had anything other than a paper label. The box dates I saw ranged from early 05 to present day. So here's my question. Do all genuine Cuban cigar boxes now have the fancy seal/labels, and if so, since when?

Mark

 

[indyrob]

Folks, I've got a question. I don't normally get a chance to see many (any) Cuban cigars or the boxes that contain them. I have read, though, that they are now putting holographic labels on their boxes to made it more difficult for counterfeiters. A couple of weeks ago I flew back to the US from overseas, and spent a little while in the humidor in the airport's Duty Free store. They had most of the Habano brands I've read about, but not a single box had anything other than a paper label. The box dates I saw ranged from early 05 to present day. So here's my question. Do all genuine Cuban cigar boxes now have the fancy seal/labels, and if so, since when?

Mark

I think that the boxes for sale in Cuba are the only ones to carry the holographic seal. I haven't seen any boxes that were 'real' that had the holographic sticker.

 

[Soundwave13]

I've seen legit with & without. I believe it has to do with region.
European = no holograph; Canada/Asia = holograph.
I'm not expert though - I'd like to hear from a couple of the guys here who would know better... Gibbleguts? Moro?

 

[cf2112]

I think that the boxes for sale in Cuba are the only ones to carry the holographic seal. I haven't seen any boxes that were 'real' that had the holographic sticker.

Indyrob is correct Holograms only on boxes sold in Cuba. There maybe an exception to this rule but I would be very suspect of any box with a Hologram received from any vendor.

 

[gibbleguts]

I checked at the store while I was there today and the Canadian boxes come with a Havana House Habanos hologram seal over the opening but not the standard square small one that comes on boxes sold in Cuba.

 

[stogies&hoagies]

Only boxes sold in Cuba have Cuban the hologram seal. Very few boxes available through vendors would have that seal. The LCDH stores would not have those seals.

 

[Moro]

Sorry for the delay, but I was with me gal. Most has been said already; the holograms are there in Cuba all the time, yet it's strange to see them outside Cuba, for it's a security measure for within the country. The best way there is to get legitimate Habanos would be from an authorized retailer (they have enough stamps and certificates hung on the walls for ye to notice).

 

[daniyal]

Sorry for the delay, but I was with me gal. Most has been said already; the holograms are there in Cuba all the time, yet it's strange to see them outside Cuba, for it's a security measure for within the country. The best way there is to get legitimate Habanos would be from an authorized retailer (they have enough stamps and certificates hung on the walls for ye to notice).

Come now Alfonso where is one to find an authorised retailer in the US?



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[openendstraight]

Come now Alfonso where is one to find an authorised retailer in the US?



Posted via Mobile Device

He is rubbing it in.:tongueout

 

[Moro]

Come now Alfonso where is one to find an authorised retailer in the US?[/i]

Come here and I'll even tour ye around for free. :smokingbo

 

[Halon]

Those are Cubatabaco holograms. cubatabaco distributes cigars within Cuba, and Habanos SA handles exports to the rest of the world. So unless the cigars were actually bought in Cuba, you won't see the hologram.
Certain countries/regions might have their own special holographic stickers they put on boxes upon importation, but hologram stickers are not by any means a guarantee of authenticity.


TYLER

 

[daniyal]

Come here and I'll even tour ye around for free. :smokingbo

I might take you up on that ready the tequila!

 

[Kurtdesign1]

Those are Cubatabaco holograms. cubatabaco distributes cigars within Cuba, and Habanos SA handles exports to the rest of the world. So unless the cigars were actually bought in Cuba, you won't see the hologram.
Certain countries/regions might have their own special holographic stickers they put on boxes upon importation, but hologram stickers are not by any means a guarantee of authenticity.


TYLER

I didn't know for sure that the stickers are specifically from Cubatobaco but it would make sense. The rest of what he says is a great post that I agree with 100%.

I will also agree with S&H when he says that there have been occasions when a vendor has sold a box with a hologram. This can only indicate that the cigars were procured originally in Cuba and are being sold not through direct channels. Not illegit but not normal, either.

There also is the "hey, it's Cuba" argument but if it's been as many years as it has without it being put on boxes for export, I doubt they'd start making that mistake now.

Moral: Be diligent to know everything about your source. If you trust them, ask them why there would be the hologram. If you don't trust them, run, run away.

 

[Moro]

I might take you up on that ready the tequila!

Tequila ready ANYTIME! :thumbsup: