Premium Cigar Regulatory Reform Statement — Canada

Описание: Premium Cigar Regulatory Reform Statement — Canada


Premium cigars are a distinct category of adult products defined by craftsmanship, limited and occasional consumption, cultural tradition, and the absence of youth appeal. They are handmade from whole tobacco leaf through long-filler construction and slow natural fermentation. They are not inhaled, not habitually used, and are enjoyed infrequently by informed adults in celebratory or cultural settings. These characteristics clearly differentiate premium cigars from cigarettes and vaping products in both health risk and social behaviour.

When premium cigars were included in the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) through Bill S-5, Parliament was not provided with cigar-specific evidence demonstrating a need for identical regulation. This conflicts with Canada’s commitment to evidence-based, proportionate, and fair regulation.

Current rules have created disproportionate harm for small, family-owned tobacconists operating fully age-restricted environments. Display bans, plain packaging, and limits on lawful communication prevent adults from receiving accurate product information, while providing no measurable improvement to public health. These policies undermine skilled Canadian businesses that preserve a legitimate cultural tradition.

Canada already recognizes low-risk cultural goods such as wine, craft beer, and artisanal spirits with regulatory approaches that reflect heritage and responsible adult enjoyment. Treating all tobacco products the same ignores scientific distinctions and results in regulatory overreach.

To restore fairness and protect small business, we urge Parliament and Health Canada to:

Conduct a dedicated review of premium cigars under the TVPA.
Establish a distinct regulatory class that reflects their different risk profile.
Permit lawful brand and product identification within age-restricted venues.
Support informed adult choice consistent with Charter values.


Premium cigars are artisanal products enjoyed responsibly by adults. Canada’s framework should reflect that truth.