Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/695589
40 SMOKESHOP June 2016 the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 18 years of age. In February of 2017, manufacturers will be required to submit health infor- mation to the FDA and in May of 2018, all products must be packaged with a health warning. The CAA is developing a series of webcasts to provide important informa- tion on the upcoming compliance points and deadlines. These webcasts will cov- er a variety of topics and will be avail- able to the entire industry, regardless of membership in our organization. All manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, and retailers need to un- derstand how the new rule will impact the industry. Our webcasts will cover the new application process, registration, key points in the compliance timeline, new product applications, and substan- tially equivalent product applications. This series is slated to be available in mid- to late June. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE The CAA continues to monitor legisla- tion on Capitol Hill affecting the cigar industry. The House Appropriations Committee included on the agriculture bill an amendment to change the pred- icate date from February 15, 2007, to the effective date of the FDA's new deeming regulation (August 8, 2016). If enacted, this change would allow thousands of cigars, pipe tobacco, and vapor products to avoid the costly and overly burden- some applications processes established in the Tobacco Control Act. CLOSING THOUGHTS The FDA's new rule marks the beginning of a new era for the cigar industry but does not foretell our destiny. We have al- ways sought to provide safe, quality to- bacco products to consumers within the law, and we'll continue to do that. We are in the first inning of a long ballgame, and I am confident that our industry will find a path forward in spite of currently perceived challenges. The Cigar Association of America has been the leading voice of the cigar industry since its founding. As we cross this rubicon and move into a new era, the CAA will continue to be a leading advocate for industry members. Craig Williamson is president of the Cigar Association of America, Tel: (202) 223-8204, Web: www.cigarassociation.org. CAA INSIGHT > UltraSeal Provides Perfect Humidity Control, Virtually Maintenance Free! Protect your fine cigars! Three sizes available that can hold 30, 60 or 200 cigars. • 30 minute UL class 350° fire rating • Boveda 69% humidification system • Digital hygrometer with temperature gauge • Key lock with 2 keys • 7-year limited warranty • Lifetime after fire replacement www.fireking.com • (847) 217-3504 See our UL burn test video! Visit us as IPCPR, booth #150 SH103 SH102 SH106 Waterproof Fireproof SS•1/2H•Fire King.indd 1 6/20/16 10:28 AM > We are in the first inning of a long ballgame, and I am confident that our industry will find a path forward in spite of currently perceived challenges. —Craig Williamson, President, CAA