U.S. Fans of Cuban Cigars Still Have Long Wait Before They Can Be Sold Here
Richmond partner Bryan Haynes was quoted in a May 22 Tampa Bay Times article about how recently announced FDA regulations could possibly keep Cuban cigars out of U.S. tobacco shops for at least two years despite the easing of certain embargoes and travel bans to the communist county in the last several months by the Obama administration.
According to the article, under the new FDA rules, electronic cigarettes, personal vaporizers and cigars introduced into the U.S. market after February 15, 2007, must submit detailed accounts of their ingredients and the process used to manufacture them. This regulatory process is similar to how the FDA governs the cigarette industry. Cigars for sale in the United States can remain on the market as they apply. New products cannot be sold until FDA approval is received.
“This administration is talking out of both sides of its mouth,” said Bryan, who represents tobacco companies. “While [currently] building a better relationship with Cuba, it’s effectively banned its most famous product.”