For many UKFT members, this has meant producing California-specific packaging ahead of the 4 October application date that does not include the chasing arrows symbol, while continuing to use globally compliant packaging for other markets.
On 14 July 2026, the US District Court for the Southern District of California issued a preliminary injunction preventing the California Attorney General from enforcing key provisions of SB 343 while a legal challenge proceeds.
What this means
- SB 343 has not been repealed or overturned and remains California law.
- However, enforcement of the challenged provisions, including restrictions relating to recyclability claims and use of the chasing arrows symbol, is currently suspended as a result of the court's preliminary injunction.
- The court's decision is not a final ruling on the validity of the law. The litigation is ongoing, and the injunction may be appealed or changed as the case progresses.
At this stage, the longer-term implications for packaging and labelling requirements in California remain uncertain and UKFT is monitoring developments closely and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
UKFT members can request a copy of the UKFT Guide to California’s SB 343 by emailing compliance@ukft.org
