California · Business and Professions Code - BPC

BPC §17531.5: It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, in any newspaper, magazine, circular, form letter, or any open publication, published, distributed, or circulated in the State of California, inclu

Infraction

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to advertise surplus materials (as defined by federal law) in publications or advertising media in California without conspicuously displaying that the merchandise consists of surplus materials.

Read the full statutory text
It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation, in any newspaper, magazine, circular, form letter, or any open publication, published, distributed, or circulated in the State of California, including over the Internet, or on any billboard, card, label, or other advertising medium, or by means of any other advertising device, to advertise, call attention to, or give publicity to the sale of any merchandise, which merchandise is surplus materials as defined in the federal Surplus Property Act of 1944 (50 U.S.C. App. Sec. 1622 et seq.), unless there is conspicuously displayed directly in connection with the name and description of that merchandise and each specified article, unit, or part thereof, a direct and unequivocal statement, phrase, or word which will clearly indicate that the merchandise or each article, unit, or part thereof so advertised is or consists of surplus materials as defined in the federal Surplus Property Act of 1944.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.