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

New Zealand’s largest vape retailer Shosha accused of using “hidden text” on its website

New Zealand vape retailer Shosha is accused of using hidden, white-on-white text on its website to promote refillable and disposable vapes. A Health Ministry spokesperson said it could not comment on individual businesses’ compliance status while matters are being assessed, and said the ministry continues to monitor digital advertising and promotional activity and will act where it considers there may be a breach.

Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Malaysia’s Cabinet Agrees in Principle to Nationwide Vape Ban

Malaysia is accelerating efforts toward a nationwide ban on vaping, with the Health Ministry aiming to finalise the policy by 2026. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Cabinet has already agreed in principle to move toward a ban, stressing that the issue is no longer whether vaping will be banned, but when.

Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Thailand’s health minister rejects vaping as a smoking cessation alternative

Thailand’s Public Health Minister Phatthana Phromphat has reaffirmed that the government does not support cigarettes or e-cigarettes in any form and opposes the use of e-cigarettes as a substitute for smoking cessation.

Dec.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980

Japan Tobacco has launched the fourth installment of its limited-color series for the Ploom AURA heated-tobacco device, unveiling “Purple Dusk” . Priced at JPY 2,980 (about USD 18.7, tax included), it goes on limited early sale via official channels from Jan 13, before rolling out to convenience stores and other retail outlets across Japan from Jan 20.

Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai

San Francisco reaches $1 million settlement with nicotine pouch retailer Lucy Goods

In the United States, California, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu announced a $1 million settlement requiring online tobacco retailer Lucy Goods, Inc. to stop shipping illegal tobacco products into San Francisco.

Jan.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches

A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.

Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai