Two decades of measurable defense.
CRA's work is often slow, technical, and behind the scenes. But over time, organized advocacy changes outcomes.
- $110M+
- Tax savings
- $12M+
- Litigation
- 5M+
- Represented
- 200K+
- Grassroots actions
Final figures to be verified by CRA before launch.
The record, in figures.
Final figures to be verified by CRA before launch.
Four fronts, one coordinated defense.
Legal victories
Direct engagement in the federal litigation preserving the premium cigar exemption.
Federal advocacy
Sustained representation on Capitol Hill and inside federal agencies on cigar-specific rulemaking.
State advocacy
Coordinated state-capitol engagement blocking punitive taxes, flavor sweeps, and shipping bans.
Grassroots action
Comment drives, hearing mobilization, and legislator contact that put member voices on the record.
A record built session by session.
Two decades of legal, legislative, and grassroots milestones defending premium cigars. Entries below are seeded from CRA's public record and are pending staff verification.
- 2008FeaturedFounding
Cigar Rights of America is founded
CRA is launched as a grassroots, consumer-based public advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the right of adults to enjoy premium cigars.
- 2008Grassroots
CRA launches nationally
CRA begins building a national movement of cigar consumers, retailers, and manufacturers, including early national outreach with leading cigar figures.
- 2010sState
CRA expands state-level advocacy
CRA strengthens its work against punitive cigar taxes, smoking bans, and local restrictions affecting adult consumers and premium cigar retailers.
- 2016Federal
FDA Deeming Rule sweeps in premium cigars
FDA's Deeming Rule brings premium cigars into a federal tobacco regulatory framework, creating a major threat for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.
- 2016Litigation
CRA joins the legal fight against FDA overreach
CRA, alongside industry allies, challenges FDA's treatment of premium cigars, arguing that the agency failed to properly consider evidence and the distinct nature of premium cigars.
- May 23, 2022Litigation
CRA's arguments are heard in federal court
CRA and its allies argue that FDA failed to justify sweeping premium cigars into the same regulatory framework as other tobacco products.
- July 5, 2022FeaturedLegal
Judge Mehta rules FDA acted arbitrarily and capriciously
Judge Amit P. Mehta rules that FDA's decision to regulate premium cigars was arbitrary and capricious because the agency failed to address relevant evidence.
- August 9, 2023FeaturedLegal
Premium cigars win historic relief from FDA regulation
Judge Mehta issues a final order vacating FDA's regulatory authority over premium cigars, marking one of the most significant legal victories in CRA's history.
Help write the next chapter.
CRA's impact is built by members, retailers, manufacturers, and advocates who stand together for premium cigar freedom.