What Is a Premium Cigar?
A premium cigar is a distinct, handmade, whole-leaf tobacco product. The definition matters because premium cigars differ from mass-market tobacco products in how they are made, how they are used, and how they should be treated under law and regulation.
Handmade, whole-leaf, and distinct from mass-market tobacco products.
Why the Definition Matters
The definition of a premium cigar is not just a technical issue. It determines which products are covered by legal protections, how regulators treat the category, and whether handmade premium cigars are swept into rules designed for mass-market tobacco products.
CRA supports a clear, workable definition that reflects the traditional characteristics of premium cigars and protects adult consumers, retailers, manufacturers, and the broader premium cigar community.
Core Characteristics of a Premium Cigar
A premium cigar is generally understood as a cigar that meets each of the following characteristics:
- 1Is wrapped in whole tobacco leaf.
- 2Contains a 100 percent leaf tobacco binder.
- 3Contains at least 50 percent long-filler tobacco by weight.
- 4Is handmade or hand rolled.
- 5Has no filter, nontobacco tip, or nontobacco mouthpiece.
- 6Does not have a characterizing flavor other than tobacco.
- 7Contains only tobacco, water, and vegetable gum, with no other ingredients or additives.
- 8Weighs more than six pounds per 1,000 units.
Definition language must be reviewed against the latest court order, CRA legal position, and any active federal legislation before publication.
Premium Cigars Are Not Like Other Tobacco Products
Premium cigars are handcrafted products made with whole-leaf tobacco and traditional methods. They are generally produced in small batches, sold through specialty retailers, and enjoyed occasionally by informed adults.
Handmade Craft
Premium cigars are made by skilled artisans using traditional rolling methods and whole-leaf tobacco.
Distinct Use Patterns
Premium cigar consumers typically use the product differently from mass-market tobacco products, a distinction that has been central to CRA's regulatory advocacy.
Different Policy Treatment
Because premium cigars are different, CRA argues that they should not be swept into broad rules designed for mass-market products.
How the Definition Affects the Fight
FDA Regulation
A clear definition helps determine which cigars are outside the scope of FDA regulation following the premium cigar litigation.
Federal Legislation
A federal statutory definition would provide more durable protection and reduce uncertainty for consumers and businesses.
State and Local Policy
State and local laws often use their own definitions, which can create confusion or impose overbroad restrictions.
Retailers and Manufacturers
A workable definition helps protect premium cigar retailers, lounges, manufacturers, and the supply chain from rules aimed at other products.
Related CRA Resources
Judge Mehta Decision
The landmark ruling vacating FDA regulation of premium cigars.
Federal Regulation
How CRA engages FDA and federal agencies on premium cigar policy.
H.R. 2111 and the Federal Premium Cigar Exemption
The legislation to codify the premium cigar exemption into federal law.
Premium Cigar Taxes
Federal and state excise tax proposals affecting premium cigars.
Help Protect the Definition That Protects Premium Cigars
The fight for a clear premium cigar definition is central to CRA's mission. Members give CRA the strength to defend this category in Congress, in the courts, before regulators, and across the states.