Can you bring Cuban Rum Into the US?
A frequent question in rum groups with American members is, “Can I bring Cuban rum home with me to the US?”
Unfortunately, the answers provided are partially or fully incorrect. The correct answer has flip-flopped in recent years, yet few people have the time/energy/brain space to keep up with the changes, so unintentionally provide out-of-date information.
A timeline helps our understanding:
1962 – The US embargoed all trade with Cuba, meaning no Cuban goods could be imported into the US.
2014 – In December, then-President Obama allowed up to $100 of Cuban rum and cigars to be imported.
2016 – In October, the $100 limit was removed, allowing (effectively) unlimited importation of cigars and rum for personal use. However, commercial importation remained forbidden.
2020 – In September, then-President Trump reinstated the embargo on Cuban products, even for personal use.
Since then, the now-current Biden administration has yet to change the prior administration’s regulations, despite some indication it was inclined to do so.
Note: the above is a synopsis of a much more comprehensive overview on p. 198 of the Modern Caribbean Rum book.
Simply put. at the time of this writing (November 2022), it is still technically illegal to import Cuban rum into the US, even for personal use.
Despite the illegality, many people share their stories of bringing Cuban rum into the US. Some even tell of US Customs and Border Patrol agents coming across Cuban rum in suitcases but not seizing them. It’s oft-noted that the hassle of seizing a few bottles isn’t worth an agent’s time, should they even bother to ask what you’re returning with.
To quote the currently in effect US code (CFR § 515.585 Certain transactions in third countries):
(d) Individuals who are persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to import into the United States as accompanied baggage merchandise subject to the prohibitions in § 515.204, including Cuban-origin goods, that is purchased or acquired in a third country, provided that the merchandise is imported for personal use only. This paragraph does not apply to the importation into the United States of Cuban-origin alcohol or tobacco products.
In summary, while you may stand a better-than-average chance of bringing Cuban rum into the US, it is still technically illegal as of today. You now have the correct information to make an informed choice.