ALERT! ZYN Products
We want to make you aware of an important development regarding nicotine pouches and California’s current tobacco regulation
On August 21, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized 11 new ZYN ULTRA nicotine pouch products manufactured by Swedish Match USA, Inc. through the FDA’s Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) pathway. The newly authorized products include ZYN ULTRA Chill, Citrus, Cool Mint, Deep Freeze, Menthol, Peppermint, Smooth, Spearmint, Wintergreen Chill, and Wintergreen, with products offered at 9 mg and ZYN ULTRA Smooth also authorized at 11 mg. However, FDA authorization does NOT mean these products are automatically legal for sale in California.
California’s flavored tobacco restrictions and Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) requirements remain in effect. Under California law, covered tobacco products that are not included on the UTL are ineligible for sale in California. California also considers products with characterizing flavors—including menthol, mint, wintergreen, fruit, cooling sensations, and other flavors—to fall within its flavored tobacco restrictions.
CART MEMBER REMINDER — CHECK BEFORE YOU SELL
Before placing any nicotine pouch or other tobacco product on your shelves, verify that the specific product/brand style is listed on California’s current UTL.
Do not assume that a product is legal to sell simply because:
- It has received FDA authorization;
- It is legally marketed in other states;
- The manufacturer states that it is FDA authorized; or
- The product appears on another FDA or tobacco directory.
California’s UTL requirements are separate from federal FDA authorization. Selling, offering for sale, or possessing with intent to sell prohibited flavored tobacco products can result in serious consequences. California authorities have the ability to seize prohibited products, and retailers can face civil penalties. Repeated violations can also result in suspension or revocation of a California Cigarette and Tobacco Products License.
California specifically warns that products not appearing on the UTL may be subject to seizure and penalties, and the state continues to enforce its flavored tobacco restrictions.
Our recommendation: Before selling any newly authorized ZYN ULTRA flavor—or any other nicotine pouch or tobacco product—confirm that the exact product is permitted for sale in California and appears on the current UTL, where required.
We encourage all CART members to remain vigilant and review their inventory regularly to avoid unnecessary regulatory exposure.
FDA approval is federal authorization. California UTL listing is a separate requirement. Make sure your products meet UTL requirements before selling them in California.
Thank you for your continued attention to California tobacco compliance.
From Charles J. Janigian
California Association of Retail Tobacconists