To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt the premium cigar industry from certain regulations.

This bill proposes to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, specifically Section 201(rr), to **exempt premium cigars from certain federal tobacco product regulations**. The core purpose is to remove premium cigars from the definition of "tobacco product" under federal law, thereby alleviating regulatory burdens on the industry. This legislative action is supported by findings from a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) expert committee report. The bill provides a **detailed and specific definition for "premium cigar"** that would qualify for this exemption. Key characteristics include being wrapped in whole tobacco leaf, containing a 100 percent leaf tobacco binder, and having at least 50 percent long filler tobacco. Furthermore, premium cigars must be handmade or hand-rolled, lack filters or non-tobacco tips, and contain no characterizing flavors other than tobacco. They are also limited to tobacco, water, and vegetable gum as ingredients and must weigh more than 6 pounds per 1,000 units. The NASEM report cited in the bill's findings indicates that premium cigars comprise only 1 percent of all cigars sold in the U.S. and are primarily used by a small adult population, with significantly less use among youth. The report also suggests that the **frequency and intensity of premium cigar smoking are lower** compared to other cigars and cigarettes, and that health consequences are likely less due to occasional use and less inhalation. Many manufacturers are described as family-owned small businesses, further justifying the proposed regulatory relief.