Cigar Guide

The EMS Security Stamp for UK Cuban Cigars

Posted by simplycigarslondon on

Counterfeit Havana cigars are one of the biggest frustrations in the world of premium tobacco. From dodgy street deals in Havana to glossy online shops selling “Cohibas” that have never seen Cuban soil, fakes are everywhere. To protect UK smokers, Hunters & Frankau — the official importer of Habanos S.A. — introduced a special EMS Security Stamp back in 1993.

Today, that little stamp is the single most important guarantee of authenticity for anyone buying Cuban cigars in the UK.

What Does EMS Mean?

EMS stands for English Market Selection, a term used in Cuba for more than a century to describe cigars chosen for the UK market. Britain has long been considered the world’s most discerning market for Habanos, and EMS remains the gold standard of quality and authenticity.

Every EMS stamp:

  • Features the symbol of a lion above the letters “EMS”.
  • Is individually numbered, so the history of each box can be traced.
  • Changes colour annually (since 1997) to stay ahead of counterfeiters.

If your Cuban cigars don’t carry an EMS stamp, you’re taking a gamble. As journalist Clive James once discovered in a documentary, a “bargain” box of Montecristos bought on a Havana street corner went straight in the bin once he realised they were fake.

Why EMS Matters

The EMS stamp guarantees:

  • Direct importation from Habanos S.A. by Hunters & Frankau.
  • UK inspection: every box is opened, and each cigar individually checked for quality.
  • Duty paid & health warnings applied in accordance with UK law.

Once cigars arrive at Simply Cigars, every box is again stored in a humidity-controlled environment and checked before dispatch — giving you complete confidence.

Counterfeit Cohibas: Spotting the Fakes

Cohiba is the most counterfeited cigar brand in the world. Shady producers, often outside Cuba, pass off cheap Dominican or Nicaraguan cigars as Cohibas. Without an EMS stamp and a trained eye, even seasoned smokers can be fooled.

Here are some quick red flags:

  1. Packaging
    • Genuine Cohibas are packed in cedar boxes of 25 or in official 5-pack cartons.
    • Avoid white paper-wrapped boxes — discontinued over 15 years ago.
    • Habanos seals should be placed at a 45° angle — sloppy placement is a giveaway.
  2. Cellophane
    • Authentic Cohibas in cartons show a light brown stain on the cellophane — natural oils from aged tobacco.
    • The wrapper should extend only about 1cm past the cigar. Many fakes use longer, cheap cellophane.
  3. Labels
    • Check the famous black and white squares on Cohiba bands. Real labels are sharp and even; fakes often look blurred or uneven.
    • Counterfeiters often misspell names or even print labels upside down.
  4. Construction
    • Genuine Cohiba caps are works of art — tight, neat, and flawless. Fakes often have wrinkled, uneven caps.
  5. Flavour
    • A real Cohiba is rich, balanced, and full-bodied, with flavours of cedar, coffee, cocoa, and spice.
    • Counterfeits burn hot, draw poorly, and taste flat or harsh.

Not Just Cohiba

Sadly, Cohiba isn’t the only target. Fake versions of Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, and Hoyo de Monterrey are increasingly common. These knock-offs may look convincing, but when lit, they collapse in flavour and finesse.

As Cigar Aficionado and other industry authorities have pointed out, the counterfeit trade has become so sophisticated that even experienced smokers can be fooled without close inspection.

Protect Yourself: Look for EMS

The simplest way to avoid disappointment is also the most effective: buy only from trusted UK retailers and always check for the EMS Security Stamp.

It’s your guarantee that the cigars have been:

  • Imported legally and directly from Cuba.
  • Individually quality checked in the UK.
  • Stored and shipped correctly.

Hunters & Frankau’s EMS programme, combined with the new Habanos Authenticity Check, makes it harder than ever for counterfeiters to succeed.

Final Puff

Cuban cigars are more than just tobacco — they’re heritage, craftsmanship, and luxury rolled into one. But with fakes flooding the market, knowing how to protect yourself is essential.

Next time you’re choosing a box of Cohibas, Montecristos, or any other Havana, take a moment to check for the EMS Security Stamp. It’s a small detail that makes all the difference between a disappointing counterfeit and the genuine pleasure of a true Cuban.

Browse our range of EMS-stamped Cuban cigars and buy with confidence.

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