American tourists in Bermuda will be able to buy cigars and other Cuban merchandise under new amendments announced in the United States.

US Consul General Mary Ellen Koenig welcomed the move which she said would benefit vendors and clear up confusion.

Under previous regulations, travellers were not allowed to take Cuban products into the United States from any location except Cuba.

On Friday last week, the US Treasury announced changes to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, permitting travellers to the US to import Cuban-origin merchandise from third countries, such as Bermuda, for personal use.

According to a press release from the US Consulate, the regulatory changes mean visitors to Bermuda may purchase Cuban-origin merchandise such as alcohol or tobacco products from local vendors and take the products to the United States as accompanied baggage without value limitations.

In all cases, the Cuban-origin goods must be imported for personal use, and normal limits on duty and tax exemptions will apply.

Ms Koenig said in a statement: “I am pleased that US policy has caught up with the wish of travellers to Bermuda to buy Cuban cigars and other popular products to take home for their enjoyment.

“These changes will benefit local vendors here in Bermuda and clear up some confusion stemming from earlier limitations on importation of Cuban goods to the United States.”

The Treasury announcement outlined a wide range of updates and changes in US regulations on Cuba beyond the change on importation of Cuban goods.

In making the announcement, US Treasury Secretary Jacob L. Lew pointed to President Barack Obama’s historic announcement in December 2014 to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba and said that these additional “steps have the potential to accelerate constructive change and unlock greater economic opportunity for Cubans and Americans”.