Expert: James Yee - 2/17/2010

Question
I recently purchased a box of D No. 4 from an online source in Switzerland.  I requested that the box be unopened and the Habanos SA label looked fine, however, there was one large seal (with red serial numbers) underneath a smaller seal on the left side of the box.  The smaller seal has a hologram on one end and a bar code and the numbers 0000  4099530 on the other end.  Bottom of the box has a stamp that reads OPM OCT 09.  The inside looks right with the cedar, small square notice, and the parchment paper.  They look and smell right, with slightly darker wrappers on the left and slightly lighter shades to the right.  Bands look right and are perfectly aligned.  I am always somewhat suspicious when buying online, but here in the states options are limited.  Please let me know any information you may be able to provide given the info above.  Thanks for your contributions to this site as I always learn something reading your answers to various questions.

Answer
Hi Michael,

According to Habanos SA's online authenticity check, your box of cigars is genuine.

You can check the serial code (00000 4099530) here:

http://www.habanos.com/Sellos/Info/VerificaSelloCajon

Enter the serial code without any spaces (000004099530), check "Input Manual" and then select the second barcode example.  The following information is displayed:

Legal code. The product is original from Habanos S.A.
HSA: 10.8078.18.0690
Descripcion: PARTAGAS SERIE D No.4 SBN-UW-C/L-12,13-n-25

You can use this online authenticity check for other Cuban cigar boxes that has the new seal with the hologram and barcode number.

Hopes this answers your question.  If you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Regards,
James