Canadian Plain Packaging For Cigars

Why are cigars sold in CANADA in generic green packaging?

Canada's Plain Standardized Appearance (PSA) initiative by Health Canada aims to protect young people and reduce tobacco use among Canadians by making tobacco packaging visually unappealing. This involves using standardized brownish-green packaging and large health warning labels to eliminate any distinctive or attractive features on tobacco products.

 

But cigars are a niche item. Clearly cigarettes are the real problem?

While many countries exempt cigars and pipe tobacco from plain packaging regulations due to their lower consumption rates among adults, Canada includes cigars in its regulations despite their minimal market share. This contrasts with other nations' approaches, designating cigars as specialty tobacco products.

 

Does this mean that the original cigar bands and boxes are gone?

Health Canada permits cigar manufacturers to retain original bands for authenticity verification, provided they are damaged upon removal of the overlying green band. Due to the expense of replicating original boxes in plain packaging, many importers opt for simpler packaging methods.

 

I can’t seem to find some cigars that I used to enjoy. Where did they go?

Compliance with plain packaging regulations has led many cigar manufacturers to rationalize their portfolios in Canada, with some international brands refusing to sell in the country. As regulations become more stringent, more products may disappear from Canadian shelves.

 

Despite the ugly packaging, the cigar itself hasn’t changed. It’s only packaging. What’s the big deal?

Health Canada's proposed amendments to increase warning label coverage and mandate frequent label rotation would pose challenges for Canadian retailers, distributors, and manufacturers. This could lead to downsizing or closure of small businesses due to reduced product availability and increased costs.

 

Wow, I wasn’t aware that Health Canada was doing this. Cigars are not the real target – cigarettes are. How can I help?

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has initiated a grassroots campaign in Canada to advocate for cigar smokers' rights and exemption from plain packaging regulations. Visit cigaraction.org to join the effort and learn more about standardized packaging of cigars in Canada.