Cutler Bay, Florida August 09, 2023 – The Boutique Cigar Association is pleased to announce a significant victory in the ongoing legal battle against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulation of premium cigars.

In a recent memorandum opinion, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia has ruled in favor of the Cigar Association of America and other plaintiffs, finding that the FDA’s decision to regulate premium cigars under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009 was arbitrary and capricious. The court has issued a vacatur of the FDA’s Final Deeming Rule as it applies to premium cigars.

The court’s decision comes after a long-running dispute that questioned the FDA’s consideration of data regarding the use of premium cigars and their health effects. The court emphasized the FDA’s failure to adequately address relevant data and to consider varying usage patterns of premium cigars. While the FDA argued against vacatur, the court held that the agency’s rule deficiencies were significant enough to warrant this remedy.

This ruling represents a major milestone for the Premium Cigar Association, Cigar Rights of America, the Boutique Cigar Association and the premium cigar industry. It signifies a recognition of the unique characteristics of premium cigars and the need for proper evaluation based on accurate and comprehensive data. The Association looks forward to working with the FDA to ensure that any future regulatory decisions are based on a thorough understanding of the industry and its products. Click here to read the court’s decision in its entirety.

Together we are stronger. Let’s remain united and help protect our industry for years to come.

About

Founded in August of 2016 by Dr. Gaby Kafie, The Boutique Cigar Association (BCA) allows boutique cigar industry brands to join a community of companies and individuals that work together. Representing a growing network of cigar industry businesses, the BCA welcomes brands, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, accessories companies and connoisseurs of the cigar culture. The members share their collective knowledge and talents in an open forum to make a difference in the premium boutique cigar industry helping each other succeed. The BCA are members of PCA, CRA, and proud supporters of Cigars for Warriors.

Learn more at www.boutiquecigarassociation.com, your support is greatly appreciated.