Reading Cuban Box Codes and Warranty Seals

When buying Habanos, the box itself tells you a lot. Here is what to check:

1. The box code

Modern Habanos boxes carry a code stamped on the base made up of a factory code and a month and year of production — typically a group of letters followed by an abbreviated month and a two-digit year. It lets you:

• Date the cigars and estimate their age
• Cross-check against known factory codes to spot fakes

2. The Cuban government warranty seal

A green-and-white warranty seal is applied on one side, running across the lid and body. Newer seals carry a hologram and a unique serial number that can be verified on the official Habanos website.

3. Markings on the base

• The Habanos logo and Hecho en Cuba
• The Totalmente a mano (totally by hand) mark
• Stamps and stickers should be crisp and straight

4. The cigars

• Cigars in a box should be similar in colour and neatly arranged
• Bands aligned, finely printed and evenly embossed
• Consistently firm to the touch with no soft spots or lumps

5. The source

The safest route is always an authorised Habanos distributor or a reputable retailer. “Cuban cigars” far below market price are almost certainly fakes.

Every cigar we sell comes from authorised channels, and every box is checked for seals and codes on arrival.