Pete Souza/Official White House Photo(WASHINGTON) — There will no longer be taxes on cigars, rum, and other products brought from Cuba to the United States for personal use. The Obama administration made the announcement Friday, saying the new directive continues the nation’s process of normalizing relations with Cuba.

There will also be joint medical research between U.S. and Cuban doctors as well as allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve Cuban pharmaceuticals.

A senior administration official called the newest round of Cuba policy a step toward making the “opening to Cuba irreversible.” The administration believes this opening will directly benefit the Cuban people.

This is the sixth round of sanctions easing and will take effect Monday, Oct. 17.

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