"At the end of the day, it affects consumers." - Jorge Padron, president of Padron Cigars, Inc.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates all tobacco products, including premium cigars, today announced its calculation for user fees for the 2018 fiscal year. And the fees are going up.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that includes language to exempt premium cigars from harmful FDA regulations. Now, cigar lobbyists are increasing their efforts for grassroots outreach in support of multiple cigar-friendly bills that are currently awaiting votes in Congress.
Earlier today the US House of Representatives passed a 12 bill spending package that includes a provision prohibiting the FDA from enforcing regulations against premium cigars. The bill, known as the omnibus appropriations package, passed the House by 211-198 votes and will now move to the Senate for consideration.