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  • Jan 03, 2026
  • By WTVAPGO
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California Releases First "Unflavored Tobacco List" (UTL)

California Releases First "Unflavored Tobacco List" (UTL)

2Firsts, January 4, 2026

Key Points

  • List Released: California has published the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL). Products not listed may not be sold in California.
  • Application Deadline: The first batch of UTL applications closed on October 9, 2025. Applications submitted by this date have received responses of approval, rejection, or requests for additional information.
  • Registration Requirement: Unflavored tobacco products can be registered and applied for inclusion on the UTL at any time via a designated website.
  • Enforcement & Consequences: Products not registered and listed on the UTL are subject to seizure and penalties. CDPH and CDTFA are responsible for enforcement, and a reporting channel has been established.

2Firsts, January 4, 2026 — According to a press release on the website of the California Department of Justice (DOJ), California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the release of the first "Unflavored Tobacco List" (UTL) on December 31, 2025. The list identifies unflavored tobacco products that can be legally sold under California's flavored tobacco restrictions. Any relevant tobacco product not appearing on the UTL will be considered a flavored tobacco product and may not be sold in California.

The press release stated that to be included in the first UTL, tobacco manufacturers and importers needed to submit complete applications by October 9, 2025. All applications submitted by October 9 have received a response regarding the UTL release on that date, including approval, rejection, or a request for additional information.

The press release also noted that registration for unflavored tobacco products can be completed at any time through a website. Manufacturers and retailers are reminded that if a product is not registered and included on the UTL, it will continue to be subject to seizure and penalties by enforcement agencies.

In the press release, Bonta stated that with the release of the first UTL, tobacco manufacturers, importers, state and local enforcement agencies, and the public will have clear guidance on which unflavored tobacco products can be legally sold in California.

The press release indicated that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) bears primary responsibility for enforcing California's flavored tobacco ban.

In a DOJ information bulletin, state and local enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce California's restrictions on flavored tobacco products and tobacco product flavor enhancers. The UTL is intended to serve as a resource for enforcement actions by relevant agencies.

The DOJ's enforcement focus will continue to be on "obviously flavored" tobacco products and tobacco product flavor enhancers. For tobacco products not included in the first UTL that are not obviously flavored (including handmade leaf-wrapped cigars), the DOJ stated that its initial approach will focus on educating manufacturers about statutory requirements and the registration process, rather than immediate enforcement action.

Image Source: California Department of Justice (DOJ)