Duty-Free Suggestions.

[ninersfan]

Next week, I am headed to Africa (Namibia to be exact) for my first hunting safari. CANNOT WAIT!! Anyway, my route of travel takes me through first London (Heathrow) and then Frankfurt, Germany. I have considerable lay-overs in both cities, especially London, and am wondering if the Duty-Free shops in either airport have a good selection of CC's. I'd love to pick up a five-pack or two, or even some single sticks to enjoy while I'm there.

Any input or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Simoun]

I've never been through any of those airports myself, but on my recent trip to the Philippines there was a small tobacco kiosk with some CCs at the Manila International Airport, so I'm betting that Heathrow'll have some.

I don't know If I'm accurate about this (someone please correct me if I'm wrong), but I believe that the embargo's prohibition is on bringing into the U.S. over $100 worth of Cubans for non-personal use, right?

 

[smokem94]

Frankfurt has a decent selection. I didn't go thru the Heathrow duty free.

 

[richokeeffe]

from http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cuban-cigar-lawyers.html

When is it Legal to Import Cuban Cigars?
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, you can only bring Cuban cigars into the United States if you are returning directly from Cuba and your visit to Cuba was licensed. Examples of those who can be licensed to visit Cuba include the following:

Politicians
Cuban Americans
Journalists
Legitimate researchers
Athletes
Religious groups

Are There any Other Restrictions on Importing Cuban Cigars?
Yes. Returning from a licensed visit to Cuba is not the only requirement for importing Cuban cigars. Other requirements are:

The domestic value of the cigars cannot exceed $100
The cigars must be for personal use and not for resale

********************************************************

Based on that, I think that your cigar purchase is not legal according to the law.

 

[caseabb]

I liked the duty free in Heathrow. They will generally have 5-packs and some boxes for sale. If you are worried about bringing any back simply take the bands off of them and declare them as Dominican Cigars. If you are feeling bold you can also try and get a bottle of Havana Club rum back with you. You will need to packk it in your luggage!

 

[Angry Bill]

If you can get into Frankfurt, you might get some of the regional releases at the LCDLH. grab the rum too, you won't be sorry. Havana Club Anejo...

 

[ninersfan]

from http://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/cuban-cigar-lawyers.html

When is it Legal to Import Cuban Cigars?
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, you can only bring Cuban cigars into the United States if you are returning directly from Cuba and your visit to Cuba was licensed. Examples of those who can be licensed to visit Cuba include the following:

Politicians
Cuban Americans
Journalists
Legitimate researchers
Athletes
Religious groups

Are There any Other Restrictions on Importing Cuban Cigars?
Yes. Returning from a licensed visit to Cuba is not the only requirement for importing Cuban cigars. Other requirements are:

The domestic value of the cigars cannot exceed $100
The cigars must be for personal use and not for resale

********************************************************

Based on that, I think that your cigar purchase is not legal according to the law.

Rich,

Thanks for the additional info. but I'm not looking at bringing any back into the U.S. on my return trip. Rather, I'm looking at picking some CC's up on the way to Africa and which of these two airports might have the best selection.

 

[Bass man]

You can certainly buy some good rum & drink it while in Africa too. Look for Caney Anejo or Varadero Club 7 as an alternative to Havana Club.

 

[Baldanders]

There are Cigar House outlets at most if not all of the Heathrow terminals.