The recent thaw in relations with Cuba approved by United States President Barack Obama has opened many windows for trade opportunities in both countries.

That, however, does not mean that everyone can travel to and bring home anything from Cuba as some restrictions remain intact.

The Quest to Importing Cuban Cigars

In Cuba, cigars are a big deal -- so much so that they organized an entire festival around them that earned the territory almost $1 million worth of donations to ensure the quality production of the product, as stated by News Ghana.

This is a fact that is not uncommon even to Americans, considering how many have become excited to bring home as many Cuban cigars as they can after the recent ease in trade restrictions between the country and the United States.

However, many are still unaware that while they can take home as much as $400 worth of newly bought merchandise from Cuba, restrictions are still applicable when they want to take home tobacco and alcohol products, per the U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

"Persons authorized to travel to Cuba may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption while there. Authorized travelers may return to the United States with up to $100 worth of alcohol or tobacco or a combination of both," the department explained.

Aside from that, online shopping for Cuban-made cigars is still banned if the buyer is not in the country.

Penalties for Illegal Importation of Cuban Cigars

According to the CBP, those who violate the ruling for importing cigars from Cuba will be fined $1,000,000 for corporations and $250,000 for individuals.

Persons found guilty of breaking the law will also face up to 10 years imprisonment, in addition to a $65,000 violation fee for every count as imposed by the Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

U.S.-Cuba Trade Embargo

While still unofficial, the "end" of the 54-year trade embargo between the United States and Cuba has been openly admired by many.

Among those who want to push for free trade between the two countries is Cuban trade minister Rodrigo Malmierca.

"We're talking about rums, cigars, biotechnological parts, minerals, medical services, among others," he said during a press conference at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, per Politico Pro.

Furthermore, the Cuban trade minister expressed his gratitude to the Obama administration for opening up possibilities of free trade in the country, especially for their main export products.