US: FDA Extends Comment Period on Proposed Cigar Regulations

Source from:  cigaraficionado  06/26/2014

The Food & Drug Administration has announced it is extending the period for public comments on its proposed cigar regulations by 30 days, to August 8.

In the June 24 edition of the Federal Register, the FDA announced the new deadline, adding that the action was in response to requests for such an extension.

Since 2009, the government agency has overseen the United States tobacco industry, and while it has adopted new regulations for cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and other tobacco products, cigars have largely been left alone. However, on April 24, the FDA announced that it intends increase regulations on tobacco products, including cigars, and it said that it may also exclude premium cigars from the regulations.

One of the more controversial FDA propositions is the agency's updated definition of a premium cigar in which it says a premium cigar must carry a suggested retail price of $10 or higher.

Since the announcement, the agency has been seeking public comment via its website, www.regulations.gov. As of now, 34,598 comments had been submitted so far.

Public support is needed in order to gain an exemption for premium cigars. If you haven't submitted a comment, you can do so by clicking here. Enditem