A multidisciplinary group, chaired by a quality specialist, has devised acceptable limits for 6 physical properties of cigarettes : tobacco weight, hardness, moisture-content, filter ventilation, diameter, tendency for cigarettes to lose their contents. The limits condition manufacture from the user's point of view, with regard to commercial and regulatory aspects and from the Manufacturer's point of view, with regard to economic and technical aspects. For each property, the group selected a reference measurement apparatus. The commercial and industrial impact of any defect was investigated. An attempt was made to evaluate the limit values acceptable to the consumer on the basis of public tests and expert tasters. The scatter of the processes being tested was defined, acceptable limits were proposed by the group on the basis of commercial and industrial requirements and the capability of the current processes deduced. Acceptable quality standards have been defined. Where appropriate, various guidelines have been issued for product designers and process managers. As a result of these studies was followed by training in the statistical control of processes for managers responsiblef or product quality. After this effort, designers should be better able to design products which appeal to the consumers and are compatible with manufacturing processes.