The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has finalized its ruling that the FDA’s Deeming Rule does not apply to premium cigars.
Judge Amit P. Mehta reaffirmed the court’s prior definition of premium cigars and declined to modify it after a remand from the appellate D.C. Circuit.
The decision preserves the current regulatory framework and provides clarity for retailers, manufacturers, and consumers after years of litigation.
“After nearly a decade of litigation, this decision provides clarity for retailers, manufacturers, and consumers who have had to operate under significant regulatory uncertainty.” Joshua Habursky, chief executive officer of the Premium Cigar Association, said in a press release. “Premium cigars clearly represent a distinct product category, and this outcome reflects the importance of considering those differences in any regulatory framework.”
