Alexandria, VA (May 19, 2025) – Last week, Cigar Rights of America (CRA) attended the 2025 Tobacco and Nicotine Products Regulation and Policy Conference, hosted by the Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI).

As with previous years, this annual conference brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including public health officials, regulatory experts, manufacturers, legal scholars, and government agency representatives to examine the evolving landscape of tobacco and nicotine product regulation. CRA’s active engagement at this conference ensures the unique voice of the premium cigar industry remains present in key policy and legal forums.

The conference brought some of the first significant public remarks from new FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. Dr. Makary’s speech centered on nutrition and drug policy, offering only a cursory reference to tobacco. The Commissioner did not indicate any immediate intent to re-Deem premium cigars, nor to continue the damaging regulatory policies of previous administrations.

“The FDLI Conference continues to be an essential venue for ensuring that the regulatory and scientific conversations around tobacco include recognition of premium cigars as a distinct product category that warrants exemption from regulation,” said Mike Copperman, executive director of CRA. Copperman continued, “At a time when federal regulators and public health advocates are increasingly focused on eliminating all combustible products, it is critical that we remain engaged, vigilant, and prepared to push back with facts, evidence, and the lived experiences of small businesses and adult consumers.”

CRA’s presence at the 2025 FDLI Conference reflects its ongoing commitment to monitoring FDA regulatory priorities, engaging in the broader tobacco control dialogue, and defending the premium cigar industry from regulatory overreach. As federal policy continues to evolve, shaped by court decisions, new leadership, and shifting scientific frameworks, CRA remains the leading advocate for manufacturers, retailers, and adult consumers of hand-rolled cigars.