CDA Submits Comments to the FDA on Proposed Very Low Nicotine Regulation

On Aug. 11, 2025, CDA submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) opposing the agency’s proposed rule that would set a maximum nicotine content level of 0.70 milligrams of nicotine per gram of tobacco in cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarette tobacco, cigars (excluding premium cigars) and pipe tobacco.

This proposed nicotine cap means an average reduction of 92% to 95% in the nicotine levels of cigarettes currently on the market and similar percentage reductions in nicotine in RYO tobacco, machine-made cigars and pipe tobacco.

The practical impact of the proposed rule would be to ban the sale of 99.99% of all conventional cigarettes on the marketplace today and prohibit the marketing of current roll-your-own tobacco, non-premium cigars and pipe tobacco products.

The comments submitted to the FDA by CDA focused on the following arguments:

• Current all-time low usage rates of cigarettes and tobacco products by both adults and youth do not support the adoption of the proposed rule.

• The prohibition of virtually all cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, non-premium cigars and pipe tobacco would lead to a nationwide illicit market for these tobacco products.

• The proposed rule would result in a significant reduction in cigarette and other tobacco product sales, billions of dollars in reduced federal, state and local excise tax and sales tax collections, and an estimated 154,000+ lost industry and ancillary jobs.

The deadline for the public to submit comments to the FDA on the proposed very low nicotine rule is Sept. 15, 2025. CDA’s comments can be read here.