FDA Extends Comment Period for Cigar Approval Rule Proposal
Cigar draw resistance. Cigar burn rate. Puff count. Cigar wrapper and cigar binder porosity. These are just a few of the many details that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration would require cigar manufacturers to submit for new blends should the agency’s proposed rule, which was published on September 25, go into effect.
Before the new rule can become law, though, the agency that oversees tobacco regulation has extended the comment period asking for public feedback. Originally set to end today, the agency says it will continue accepting public feedback until December 16.
Published in the Federal Register on September 25 with the title Premarket Tobacco Product Applications (PMTA) and Recordkeeping Requirements, the comprehensive new rule is aimed not only at premium cigars, but also e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. Due to the commenting period being extended, the FDA has “unpublished” the rule until it is finalized.
Additionally, the proposed rule establishes recordkeeping guidelines regarding the legal marketing for certain tobacco products, including premium cigars, that don’t have a PMTA. This would include cigars that fall under the “grandfathered tobacco” category, meaning a cigar that was introduced to the market before February 15, 2007.
Click here to add your comment to the proposed rule.
