Canadian Court Certifies Class Action Against Juul

The Supreme Court of British Columbia has certified a nationwide class action against Juul Labs and Altria Group, allowing claims to proceed on behalf of all Canadians who purchased or used Juul products for personal use between August 2018 and July 15, 2026.

The lawsuit alleges the companies marketed e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes while contributing to nicotine addiction among a new generation of consumers. The certification is procedural and does not determine liability.

The court rejected several arguments raised by Juul and Altria regarding certification, allowing the case to move forward to trial. Juul and Altria may appeal the certification decision.

The action is one of two legal proceedings against Juul in Canada. A separate lawsuit by the government of British Columbia seeks recovery of healthcare costs associated with the company’s products.

Juul’s legal troubles extend across North America. In the United States, the company faced thousands of lawsuits before reaching a settlement in 2023. The FDA briefly granted Juul marketing authorization in 2022 before reversing course, and later reauthorized five Juul products in 2025.

The Canadian case covers a class period that begins in August 2018, when Juul products were widely marketed in Canada. The end date of July 15, 2026, suggests the class may be closed to new members following certification.

The ruling adds to mounting legal pressure on e-cigarette manufacturers. In the U.S., FDA vape policy has shifted under new leadership, while states including Hawaii and North Carolina have imposed their own restrictions on vape sales.

Altria, which acquired a 35% stake in Juul in 2018 for US$12.8 billion, has faced its own legal scrutiny. The company was previously named in antitrust litigation alongside Juul, with both companies facing pressure from multiple regulatory directions.

Sources:

• Tobacco Reporter – Canadian Court Certifies Class Action Against Juul, Altria
• British Columbia Courts
• FDA CTP Newsroom

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