The Obama administration has lifted a ban on some of Cuba's most sought-after items – cigars and rum.
The White House announcement clears the way for travelers to purchase unlimited quantities of cigars and rum in any country where they are sold, as long as they are designed for personal use, USA Today reported.
Currently, travelers coming back into the U.S. from Cuba are limited to $100 worth of alcohol or tobacco products. Purchasing Cuban-made cigars, rum or other alcohol made in the country over the internet or while in a third country, such as popular travel destination Mexico, is illegal.
That will change Oct. 17.
Restrictions on online ordering and wholesale imports of Cuban cigars and alcohol remain. Anyone bringing in the items for personal use are subject to duties and taxes.
The announcement is part of a wider effort to expand trade with the country following the restoration of U.S.-Cuba relations in 2014.
"The Treasury Department has worked to break down economic barriers in areas such as travel, trade and commerce, banking, and telecommunications. Today's action builds on this progress by enabling more scientific collaboration, grants and scholarships, people-to-people contact, and private sector growth," Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew said.
Other changes include allowing U.S. medical researchers to engage in joint projects with Cuban scientists and opening the possibility of Food and Drug Administration approval of Cuban-made pharmaceuticals.