US Tobacco Companies Challenge California Flavored Tobacco Ban

Nov.30.2022
US Tobacco Companies Challenge California Flavored Tobacco Ban
Tobacco companies challenge California's ban on flavored tobacco products in the US Supreme Court.

On November 29th, tobacco company R.J. Reynolds, also known as Reynold Tobacco Holdings, joined other tobacco companies in a joint request to the United States Supreme Court. They requested an emergency order to block California's ban on flavored tobacco products.


Two years ago, the ban was initially passed by the state legislature, but it never went into effect after tobacco companies collected a significant number of "no" votes. However, nearly two-thirds of voters approved the prohibition of selling electronic cigarette products, and the law will take effect on December 21st.


Supporters of the ban state that this law is necessary to curb the increasing number of young people who smoke.


A study has found that one in six high school students in the United States use e-cigarettes or tobacco products.


Renault filed a federal lawsuit and raised objections to it, but the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Renault's emergency motion.


Tobacco giants argue that the authority to ban flavors belongs to federal law. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act grants the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco. These companies are represented by Noel Francisco, who previously served as the top lawyer for the Trump administration at the Supreme Court.


California will become the second state in the United States to implement a ban on the sale of all flavored tobacco products, following in the footsteps of Massachusetts. Several cities in California, including Los Angeles and San Diego, have already implemented their own bans, and a few states have prohibited the sale of flavored electronic cigarette products.


2FIRSTS will continue to provide ongoing coverage of this issue, with updates available on the 2FIRSTS app. Scan the QR code below to download the app.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
After Export Tax Rebates Go to Zero: How China’s E-Cigarette Supply Chain Is Being Reshaped, According to 2Firsts Research
China’s e-cigarette industry is adjusting to a major policy shift. From April 1, 2026, China will scrap the 13% export VAT rebate on e-cigarette products, a move affecting manufacturers centered in Shenzhen. Industry participants told 2Firsts the change is forcing a reassessment of pricing and capacity, with competition shifting toward cash flow resilience, regulatory compliance, and multi-location strategies.
Industry Insight
Jan.16
Swedish Match to Revamp ZYN Lineup, Discontinue Four Nicotine Pouch Products in 2026
Swedish Match to Revamp ZYN Lineup, Discontinue Four Nicotine Pouch Products in 2026
According to Swedish Match’s website, the company plans to discontinue four ZYN nicotine pouch products in 2026, spanning different flavors and strength variants, and is directing consumers to existing substitute options.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kansas, U.S.: Attorney General issues alert on China-made “smart vapes” targeting children
Kansas, U.S.: Attorney General issues alert on China-made “smart vapes” targeting children
On Jan. 10, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach issued a consumer alert warning Kansans about dangerous vaping products from China marketed as “smart vapes.” The alert says these devices let children use games, social media, Bluetooth, music and more while simultaneously inhaling unregulated materials, and describes them as designed to entice teens and conceal their nature from parents.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
Uruguay Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Smoking and Vaping in Playgrounds and Bus Stops
A bill introduced by Uruguayan lawmaker Álvaro Dastugue proposes banning smoking and vaping in public spaces that include children’s play areas, as well as at bus stops and nearby waiting zones. The draft legislation aims to reduce involuntary exposure to smoke and aerosols from tobacco, marijuana and electronic vaping devices.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belarus Proposes Criminal Liability for Selling Vapes to Minors
Belarus Proposes Criminal Liability for Selling Vapes to Minors
Belarus is discussing the introduction of criminal liability for selling vapes and related nicotine-containing products to minors. During a meeting of the expert council, a draft law regulating tobacco and non-tobacco nicotine products received support from most members.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Poland Plans Total Prohibition of Single-Use Vapes to Protect Youth
Poland Plans Total Prohibition of Single-Use Vapes to Protect Youth
Poland’s Ministry of Health has proposed legislation to ban all disposable e-cigarettes — both with and without nicotine — under a new amendment to tobacco product laws. The government aims to protect youth from nicotine addiction while reducing public health and environmental harm. Medical professionals largely support the move but call for balanced harm-reduction strategies.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai