A federal court has denied a request by six public health groups for a greater role in the suit brought by cigar and pipe industry associations against the “deeming rule” expanding government tobacco product regulation.

Judge Amit Mehta in a written opinion said the groups had failed to show they would suffer injury if the tobacco interests win the suit filed in July 2016 in US District Court, Washington DC. This April the court granted the health groups request to participate in proceedings by providing information. The subsequent intervention request would have expanded their role.
The Food and Drug Administration’s deeming rule extended mandatory health warnings, user fees and other restrictions to previously unregulated cigars, pipe tobacco and pipes. Cigar Rights America, the Cigar Association of America and International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association have challenged aspects of the rule. Seeking status as intervenors were the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, and the Truth Initiative. Case No. 1:16-cv-1460 (APM)