CALIFORNIA CUSTOMERS: Beginning January 1, 2025, a new state law will extend the current flavor ban to also prohibit online sales of flavored nicotine products.
Starting January 1, 2025, a new law will take effect in the state of California, banning online sales of flavored nicotine products, including disposable vapes. This update builds upon an existing retail sales ban and now extends the restriction to online transactions as well.
What Exactly Is Being Banned?
The new law makes it illegal to sell and ship flavored nicotine products to consumers in California via online stores. This includes any flavor other than traditional tobacco—such as mint, strawberry, watermelon, mango, and other popular varieties. The restriction applies to both e-liquids and disposable devices pre-filled with flavored nicotine.
It’s important to note that the law targets sales and delivery, not personal possession. However, purchasing such products legally online will no longer be allowed within the state.
Why Was This Law Passed?
Lawmakers have emphasized that the primary goal is to protect young people from nicotine addiction. Research and policy advocates suggest that sweet and fruity flavors are particularly appealing to minors and contribute to early nicotine use. By closing the online sales channel, the state aims to reduce youth access to flavored nicotine products.
What Does This Mean for Shoppers and Online Stores?
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Online retailers must cease selling flavored nicotine products to California residents.
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Attempts to circumvent the ban, including mislabeled shipments, may result in fines or legal penalties.
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California consumers should be aware that the new restrictions begin on January 1, 2025, and plan accordingly.
If you're located in California and currently purchase vapes online, it's important to stay informed about these legal changes. After the law takes effect, continuing to buy flavored nicotine products online will no longer be permitted under state law.
CALIFORNIA CUSTOMERS: Beginning January 1, 2025, a new state law will extend the current flavor ban to also prohibit online sales of flavored nicotine products.
Starting January 1, 2025, a new law will take effect in the state of California, banning online sales of flavored nicotine products, including disposable vapes. This update builds upon an existing retail sales ban and now extends the restriction to online transactions as well.
What Exactly Is Being Banned?
The new law makes it illegal to sell and ship flavored nicotine products to consumers in California via online stores. This includes any flavor other than traditional tobacco—such as mint, strawberry, watermelon, mango, and other popular varieties. The restriction applies to both e-liquids and disposable devices pre-filled with flavored nicotine.
It’s important to note that the law targets sales and delivery, not personal possession. However, purchasing such products legally online will no longer be allowed within the state.
Why Was This Law Passed?
Lawmakers have emphasized that the primary goal is to protect young people from nicotine addiction. Research and policy advocates suggest that sweet and fruity flavors are particularly appealing to minors and contribute to early nicotine use. By closing the online sales channel, the state aims to...
FAQs About California
No. Starting January 1, 2025, online sales of flavored nicotine products, including disposable vapes, will be prohibited in California. Retailers will not be allowed to ship these products to California addresses, regardless of where the online store is based.
The law specifically targets flavored nicotine products—any flavor other than traditional tobacco. Products like mint, fruit, dessert, or candy-flavored vapes are included in the ban. Unflavored and tobacco-flavored products are not affected by this particular restriction.
No. California already has a retail ban on flavored nicotine products, and the new law simply extends this restriction to online sales as well. Flavored vapes are not legally sold in stores or online within the state.
If you place an online order for flavored nicotine products to be delivered to a California address after the ban takes effect, the seller may cancel or refuse the order, and any attempt to complete the sale could result in legal consequences for the retailer. As a customer, you may also face delays, confiscation, or refusal of delivery.
