Restrictions Lifted On Cuban Cigars, Rum

It's getting easier to travel and bring items to and from Cuba.

The U.S. Treasury Department this morning announced changes to the sanctions with the island nation.

Retired University of Miami Assistant Provost and Dean of International Studies and Senior Fellow for Cuban Studies Dr. Andy Gomez says we haven't seen political changes on the island so we don't know if it will mean real change in Cuba.

Starting on Monday, Americans can work with Cubans on medical research, and Cuban pharmaceuticals can be brought to the U.S.

Specifically:

Health-related Transactions –

Expanding Opportunities for Scientific Collaboration and Access to Medical Innovations

• Joint medical research.  OFAC is issuing a new authorization that will allow persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction to engage in joint medical research projects with Cuban nationals.  This authorization will encompass both non-commercial and commercial research.
• Cuban-origin pharmaceuticals.  OFAC is issuing a new authorization that will allow transactions incident to obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Cuban-origin pharmaceuticals.  An additional authorization will allow the importation into the United States, and the marketing, sale, or other distribution in the United States, of FDA-approved Cuban-origin pharmaceuticals. 
• Bank accounts.  Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction engaging in the aforementioned health-related activities will also be authorized to open and maintain bank accounts in Cuba for use in conducting the authorized business.

There are also changes to what Cuban items can be brought into America... that includes alcohol and tobacco.

Currently there's a $100 limit to the value of Cuban items (rum and cigars) brought back to the U.S.

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