Premium Tobacco Industry Sues California
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Entre Humos · October 4, 2025 · Editorial
Cigar Industry Unites: Lawsuit Against California's "Flavorless Tobacco List"
In an unprecedented move, some of the world's most renowned tobacco companies have joined forces to confront the State of California. Ashton Distributors, Oliva Cigar, Padrón Cigars, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, La Flor Dominicana, Arturo Fuente, My Father Cigars, along with Cigar Rights of America (CRA) and the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), have filed a lawsuit against Robert Andres Bonta, California's Attorney General.The origin of this legal battle is California's new "Flavorless Tobacco List," a regulation that requires traditional cigars to be registered and verified as not having added flavor. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to a ban on sales within the state.
According to the lawsuit, these regulations turn the Attorney General's office into a kind of state FDA, demanding excessive procedures and high fees to review each product before it enters the market. The document emphasizes that imposing this parallel system to the federal one is not only redundant but also lacks solid public health foundations.
“CRA and Oliva Cigar Company are committed to protecting premium cigars, no matter how far we must go. We hear our customers in California, and help is on the way,” — Cory Bappert, Oliva Cigar.
“The legislation is arbitrary and capricious… a de facto ban for many manufacturers and retailers… The annual compliance costs are too high. Most would be forced to stop selling or reduce half of their SKUs.” — Rocky Patel.
Our Stance at Entre Humos
At Entre Humos, we celebrate this common front and reaffirm our support for this just cause. We are proud members of both the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA). Defending premium cigars means preserving a cultural heritage and a craft passed down through generations.
Why we oppose the regulation
- It creates a duplicate pre-market review regime.
- It imposes disproportionate costs and burdens on manufacturers and retailers.
- It disregards the artisanal nature of premium cigars.
How it affects enthusiasts
- Less variety in available vitolas.
- Potential price increases due to regulatory surcharges.
- Risk of shortages in key markets like California.
Support the defense of premium cigars: consider joining the PCA and CRA. Every voice counts.
Follow us on Instagram @entrehumos for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Flavorless Tobacco List"?
It's a California policy that requires manufacturers to register and demonstrate that their cigars are not "flavored" in order to sell them in the state.
Why is the industry challenging it?
Because it creates a parallel review scheme to the federal one, with fees and requirements that, according to the lawsuit, are arbitrary and disproportionate.
How can I support?
By staying informed, sharing this news, and supporting organizations that defend our rights: PCA and CRA.
We will continue to report on this case, which could mark a before and after in the protection and enjoyment of traditional cigars in the United States.