When buying Cuban cigars, authenticity matters. With counterfeits becoming increasingly sophisticated, Habanos S.A.has introduced a new Warranty Seal with enhanced security features, making it easier than ever to ensure that the cigars in your humidor are 100% genuine.
The New Habanos Warranty Seal
Each box of Habanos cigars now carries a redesigned Warranty Seal with two important additions:
- A hologram on the right-hand side, featuring bi-colour text in both 2D and 3D for added security.
- A unique barcode on the left, next to the Coat of Arms, which personalises every single package.
This seal is always placed on the upper left-hand side of the box, extending over the edge and bending down the front so that tampering is obvious.
Security Features at a Glance
The new seal is made from synthetic, auto-destructive paper, meaning any attempt to remove it will cause it to self-destruct. Key features include:
- Non-transferable: If tampered with, the label breaks apart and cannot be reused.
- Scan & photocopy protected: Impossible to replicate with standard reproduction methods.
- Holographic band: Displays a bi-colour text effect visible in both second and third dimensions.
- Optical variations: Special design elements shift under light.
- Micro-dot technology: Invisible to the naked eye, detectable only with a laser scanner.
Each barcode is registered in a central Habanos database alongside details such as the destination market and invoice number—allowing every cigar box to be individually tracked and verified.
How to Verify Your Box
Checking authenticity is simple:
- Locate the unique barcode on your cigar box.
- Visit the official Habanos Authenticity Check portal.
- Enter the code to confirm whether your cigars are genuine.
This provides instant reassurance that your cigars are authentic, traceable, and part of the official distribution network.
Added Security for the UK: EMS Stamp
In the UK, cigar lovers enjoy an extra layer of protection. All Cuban cigars imported by Hunters & Frankau, the official UK distributor for Habanos, carry the EMS (English Market Selection) stamp.
- This green stamp features a lion above the letters EMS.
- It guarantees that your cigars are quality-checked, officially imported, and stored correctly before reaching retailers.
When you see the EMS mark, you know you’re buying with confidence.
Why This Matters
Cuban cigars are the most counterfeited in the world. With their rich history and reputation, fakes are inevitable. By learning to spot the Warranty Seal, hologram, barcode, and EMS stamp, you can protect yourself and ensure that every cigar you smoke is the real thing—hand-rolled in Cuba, crafted through 222 meticulous steps, and worthy of the Habanos name.