How to Identify Cuban Cigars

Examine the Cigar Box

• 1

  Look for the Cuban government's warranty seal. A box of authentic Cuban cigars will always have this stamp. In 2010 the Cuban government updated the seal on cigar boxes so there is a holographic label affixed to the right side of every warranty seal. Counterfeiters cannot steal this holographic label and reuse it on a fake box of Cubans because it's designed to come apart when someone attempts to remove it.

• 2

  Check for a bar code. Boxes with real Cuban cigars have a bar code found next to the government warranty seal. Boxes sold after 2010 have the bar code appearing to the left of the warranty, on the opposite side of the holographic label. Bar codes contain identification numbers that possess information about the cigar like market destination, brand and size.

• 3

  Turn the box upside down and check the bottom of the box for "irons," which are burned or engraved inscriptions printed usually in black ink, although sometimes in gold ink. The irons tell the name of the Cuban export company and the words "Hecho in Cuba." If the cigars are made by hand, the irons will say "totalmente a mano."

• 4

  Examine the outside corner of the box for the the Habanos sticker. In 1994 the Cuban government began manufacturing its cigar boxes with the sticker, which is affixed on the diagonal across one of the top corners of the box. The sticker is a white with gold borders. It has word "Habanos" in red and yellow, along with a leaf emblem.

• 5

  Once the seal has been broken on the box, look for the factory and date codes, stamped on the wood on the bottom of the box in blue or purple ink.