California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the release of the state’s first Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL), which details unflavored tobacco products that are legal for sale under California’s flavored tobacco restrictions. The publication follows Assembly Bill 3218 (Wood, 2024), a law sponsored by Bonta that expanded the definition of flavored products and created new enforcement measures.
Under this policy, any covered tobacco product not on the UTL is considered a flavored product and cannot be sold in California. Manufacturers and importers were required to submit applications by October 9, 2025, for their products to be included in the initial list. Products not registered or listed remain subject to seizure and penalties from enforcement agencies.
“California is continuing to lead by example. With the publication of our first-ever Unflavored Tobacco List, tobacco manufacturers, importers, state and local law enforcement agencies, and the public now have clear guidance on which unflavored tobacco products can be legally sold in our state,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Safeguarding public health, particularly for our youth, has been and will continue to be a top priority. The Unflavored Tobacco List will help further reduce tobacco use among young people and strengthen accountability for companies and individuals who break our laws.”
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) holds primary responsibility for enforcing the ban on flavored tobacco products. Suspected violations can be reported via phone or email to CDPH or through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). State and local law enforcement agencies also have authority to enforce these restrictions.
The DOJ Information Bulletin explains that while enforcement will focus on “obviously flavored” products, education about compliance requirements will initially be provided to manufacturers whose non-obviously flavored products are not yet listed.
Senate Bill 793 (Hill, 2020) originally banned most flavored tobacco products in California with some exceptions. AB 3218 amended this law by expanding definitions and creating mechanisms like the UTL for clearer regulatory oversight.
Rob Bonta leads the California Attorney General’s office, which serves as the state’s chief law enforcement authority overseeing uniform application of laws across California. The office offers services including legal representation, criminal investigations, consumer protections, civil rights initiatives statewide, as well as promoting transparency through public data portals such as OpenJustice (source). It operates as part of the executive branch with its headquarters in Sacramento (source).
Questions about registration can be directed to UTLInbox@doj.ca.gov.