EU versus Columbus Cigars: An absurd spectacle

Columbus Cigars. A report about the struggle for survival of small cigar manufacturers on the Canary Islands - and about a Swiss importer who won't give up.

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Kolumbus Cigars are mild cigars with a wonderful, full-bodied aroma.

EU absurdity: cigars are not even allowed on the Spanish mainland

What began as a well-intentioned initiative to combat the illegal cigarette trade has been extended to the cigar trade with other requirements, and this is turning out to be a problem for small cigar manufacturers such as Columbus Cigars as a bureaucratic monster that threatens the existence of the company. We are talking about the so-called "Track & Trace" requirements of the EU. Small manufacturers in the Canary Islands have been hit particularly hard, with their products being sold by the Swiss importer Stefan Baltisberger be brought to Europe.

Even more grotesque: the cigar manufacturers are not even allowed to sell their newly manufactured cigars in the Canary Islands or deliver them to the Spanish mainland without track & trace.

From the exception to the full brake: Columbus Cigars blocked for almost 12 months

For a long time, it was unclear whether the new regulations would also apply to tobacco products sold on the Canary Islands are produced. Although these are part of Spain, they enjoy a high level of protection in many areas, such as VAT and mineral oil taxes. Special tax regulations. But then the Spanish government decided that Canary Island manufacturers must also comply with the EU's Track & Trace Regulation.

Stefan Baltisberger, the Swiss importer, impressively describes what this means in concrete terms: "The Spanish authorities have still not provided any information on how the new legal requirement must be implemented in practice.  Does every cigar or every individual package have to be marked with a unique identification code (UID) and a tamper-proof security feature? Initially, even the state auditors were not in agreement.

The whole thing is intended to ensure complete traceability along the entire supply chain." This means a huge administrative effort, Certified label printers, special software, monthly license fees - Investments that quickly exceed the CHF 70,000 mark, plus running costs of around 2,000 francs per month.

However, Columbus Cigars has also tripped itself up

For a long time, it was not believed that the Track & Trace Regulation would actually apply to the Canary Islands. The introduction was postponed - until it finally got serious. "Unimaginable for our Swiss understanding - We would have had a plan A and a plan B long ago," says Baltisberger.

The reality: withdrawal instead of tracking

Track & Trace may be manageable for large manufacturers. For small chinchales such as Kolumbus Cigars, which rely on quality and craftsmanship, it is a disaster. "All but three producers on La Palma have now given up and are hoping that the regulations will be lifted one day."

The problem: The Spanish authorities show little pragmatism and even less speed. "We had the entire process checked by the state authorities several times, and each time there were new demands that led to delays again."

EU regulation without reference to reality?

What is particularly bitter is that the effort required to make legal trade saferis for the small legal providers hardly manageable. Baltisberger is right to ask the question:
"How are controls actually supposed to work in non-EU countries like Switzerland? We are not (yet) obliged to implement Track & Trace - but everything is required for exports to EU countries. The system looks like a well-intentioned idea that looks good on paper, but in reality weakens the legal market."

Stefan Baltisberger continues to fight: no exports to Switzerland for almost 12 months

Despite all the hurdles, Stefan Baltisberger is sticking with Kolumbus Cigars. He believes in the quality and the values that these cigars embody: tradition, Craftsmanship, origin, dedication. Thanks to a warehouse in Switzerland, the cigars are still available, at least in the Pyramid format. However, Kolumbus Cigars has not been able to deliver any cigars from the factory on La Palma for almost 12 months.

Craftsmanship with heart and soul: quality that impresses

I had the opportunity to visit one of the Columbus cigars to taste it myself - and she completely convinced. The quality of the tobacco used is excellent, the Flawless rolling craft. This cigar is in no way inferior to many renowned brands. On the contrary: it bears its own signature - and with character. There is no reason why you shouldn't try these cigars.

Conclusion

The EU's Track & Trace Regulation may seem sensible from an inspector's point of view. However, it shows once again how far removed Brussels' bureaucracy is from the reality of small businesses. What remains in the end is an absurd situation: while illegal dealers continue to sell blithely, must honest, small manufacturers like Columbus Cigars are fighting for their economic survival.

A story that shows, what happens when regulation is made without moderation and a sense of proportion.

What do you think of the EU Track & Trace regulation for cigars?
Is it hitting the wrong person - or is it necessary? Write your opinion in the comments - no need to register, it's easy.

Picture credits

• Vasilij Ratej
• Cover picture: ChatGPT. Prompt: Create a realistic image in landscape format of a stack of EU documents.

Resources on the topic and buying cigars

Columbus Cigars Switzerland

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