CA DOJ Releases First Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL)

To be sold legally in California, a covered tobacco product must be included on this list.
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Federal Court Denies Preliminary Injunction Request in California UTL Case

Judge Monica Ramírez Almadani denies the cigar industry's request for a preliminary injunction against the UTL.
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Unflavored Tobacco List Regulations (Assembly Bill 3218) – What You Need to Know

Read a definitive summary of the new UTL Regulations.
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** Latest News on California's Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) Assembly Bill 3218**

The California DOJ now maintains a listserv for Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) updates, delivering weekly emails that notify subscribers of newly added or removed Brand Styles. To subscribe, visit oag.ca.gov/subscribe and select "Unflavored Tobacco List" from the available email subscriptions. All listserv updates are also archived at utl.doj.ca.gov/updates.

The Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) was published on the State of California Department of Justice website just before January 1, 2026 and can be found here: https://utl.doj.ca.gov/

The UTL will continuously be updated as Manufacturers and Importers submit new product and variant applications and the CA DOJ makes their determinations.

Effective January 1, 2026

Any product not listed on the UTL will be considered unlawful.
Such products may be seized, and retailers can face civil penalties from the Attorney General, the California Department of Public Health, and state or local law enforcement.

Decisions on two industry lawsuits challenging the UTL on several fronts are still pending. However, it is unclear when rulings will be issued.

Key Points for Retail Tobacconists

Please consult the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) before ordering new products.
Flavored tobacco is already illegal. If you still have flavored products, remove and dispose of them immediately.
The UTL has been published and can be found on the CA DOJ website.
Only products listed on the UTL will be legal to sell in California.
Retailers selling unlisted products risk:
   - Product seizure
   - Civil fines
   - Possible loss of their Tobacco License(s) after multiple violations

Self-Help Resources:

Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) - https://utl.doj.ca.gov/
UTL Regulations - https://oag.ca.gov/tobacco/flavorban/regulations
UTL Enforcement Fact Sheet - https://shorturl.at/ZArUa
UTL “What You Need to Know” C.A.R.T. - https://shorturl.at/YP9Zs

The California Tobacco Control Branch of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be placing more information on its website regarding the UTL as well. You can visit their website here.

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About C.A.R.T.

The California Association of Retail Tobacconists Inc. (CART) was incorporated in the state of California on November 16, 1998 and is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation.

CART is organized, administered and operated exclusively to receive, administer and expend funds to promote and represent the common business interests of and improve the business conditions among members of the retail tobacconists of California, within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax laws.

CA DOJ Releases First Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL)

Federal Court Denies Preliminary Injunction Request in California UTL Case

Unflavored Tobacco List Regulations (Assembly Bill 3218) – What You Need to Know