California Attorney General Reminds Tobacco Manufacturers to Submit Applications for Unflavored Tobacco List by October 9

Strategic Insights -

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued a reminder to tobacco manufacturers and importers to submit their applications for the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) by October 9, 2025. The list, mandated by Assembly Bill (AB) 3218, will determine which tobacco products are lawful for sale in California. Any covered tobacco product not appearing on the list will be deemed a flavored tobacco product and ineligible for sale in the state.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) is a list of unflavored tobacco products that are lawful for sale in California, established by Assembly Bill (AB) 3218.
  • Tobacco manufacturers and importers must submit completed applications for the UTL by Thursday, October 9, 2025, to be considered for the initial list.
  • Applications are available on the UTL Portal at utl.doj.ca.gov, and applicants may appoint authorized agents to prepare product forms and make submissions on their behalf.
  • The UTL must be published by December 31, 2025, as mandated by AB 3218.
  • The list provides much-needed transparency about the unflavored tobacco products that can be legally sold in California.
  • Any eligible tobacco manufacturer or importer may create an account, fill out information regarding products through product or variant form(s), complete UTL application(s), and submit payment by October 9, 2025, to be considered for the initial list.

Statistics:

  • October 9, 2025, is the deadline for tobacco manufacturers and importers to submit applications for the Unflavored Tobacco List.
  • By December 31, 2025, the Unflavored Tobacco List must be published as mandated by Assembly Bill (AB) 3218.
  • The Unflavored Tobacco Portals available at utl.doj.ca.gov offers registration and submission answers through UTLInbox@doj.ca.gov.
  • California Senate Bill 793 (Hill, 2020) banned flavored tobacco products (subject to certain exceptions) and tobacco product flavor enhancers in California.

Sources:

  • The official press release from the California Attorney General's Office (no date provided).
  • California State Legislature, Assembly Bill (AB) 3218 (Wood, 2024).
  • California State Senate Bill 793 (Hill, 2020).