ASA orders Relx and Louis Shaw to stop promoting e-cigarettes on Instagram

Market by The Drum

Jun.29.2022

The ASA concluded that it breached the Cap Code (Edition 12) 2.1, 2.3 and 22.12.

The UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has directed Chinese e-cigarette brand Relx and Geordie Shore star Louis Shaw to stop promoting nicotine-containing e-cigarettes on Instagram.

In December 2021 an Instagram story on Shaw’s account showed a hand holding two boxes containing unlicensed e-cigarettes with the brand name RELX, with text stating: ‘@RELXUK’ and ‘GET YOUR OWN – RELAX WITH 15% OFF – LOUISXMAS15.’ This 15% discount code for the product was considered promotional by the ASA.

ASA orders Relx and Louis Shaw to stop promoting e-cigarettes on Instagram — *ASA directs Relx and Louis Shaw to not promote e-cigarettes on Instagram in future*

The ad also featured text saying, ‘This product contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance.’

The ASA concluded that it breached the Cap Code (Edition 12) 2.1, 2.3 and 22.12.

The post was investigated on two grounds:

The complainant challenged whether the ad did not make clear its commercial intent

The ASA challenged whether the ad breached the code by promoting unlicensed, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and their components on Instagram

Also read:

RELX Vapes Seized by Regulator Possibly due to Incomplete Docs

#E-cigarette #E-cigarettes and Tobacco #RELX Technology

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact

Seoul to Fine Use of Liquid E-Cigarettes in No-Smoking Areas From April 24

Seoul will begin fining the use of all tobacco products, including liquid e-cigarettes, in no-smoking areas from April 24, when the revised Tobacco Business Act takes effect.

Apr.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Japan Tobacco Releases Three Ploom AURA Collaboration Panels Inspired by “Sake”

Japan Tobacco announced that it will sponsor “CRAFT SAKE WEEK 2026,” to be held at Roppongi Hills Arena, and set up a dedicated smoking area called “Ploom LOUNGE.” Three Ploom AURA collaboration front panels inspired by the theme of “sake” will be offered at the venue, along with trial use, sales, and related original content.

Apr.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Fifth Circuit Hears Challenge to FDA’s Standard for Reviewing Flavored Vape Applications

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments on Tuesday in a case brought by seven small vape-liquid companies challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s denial of marketing authorization for their flavored electronic nicotine products.

Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russian Vape GOST Revision Would Limit Capacity, Packaging Design and Warning Labels

Russia is preparing changes to its e-cigarette state standard GOST R 58109–2018. Under a draft order submitted to Rosstandart, the shelf life of vape devices and liquids would be limited to no more than two years, and capacity would be strictly capped at 2 mL for replaceable capsules, 10 mL for disposable systems and 30 mL for refill containers.

Apr.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

UK Retailers Call on Government to Better Resource Trading Standards to Fight Illicit Tobacco and Vape Trade

Retailers in the UK have called on the government to provide greater resources to Trading Standards in response to the growing trade in illicit tobacco and vapes. Fed national vice-president Hemanshu Patel made the call during a panel discussion at the National Convenience Show in Birmingham on April 15.

Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product｜PMI Expands High-Strength Nicotine Pouch Portfolio With Zyn 16.5mg

According to Better Retailing, Philip Morris International (PMI) has launched Zyn Menthol Ice 16.5mg in the UK, marking the highest-strength nicotine pouch in the Zyn range to date. The eucalyptus- and menthol-flavored product is now available through PMI Open and will begin rolling out to wholesale channels from the end of May.

PMI

May.28