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

Philippine Tax Bureau Launches Digital Tracking System to Combat E-Cigarette Tax Evasion and Smuggling

The Philippine Bureau of Internal Revenue is developing a digital tracking system for e-cigarettes using QR codes, allowing consumers to verify product authenticity via smartphones. This initiative aims to curb smuggling and tax evasion, with the agency's chief noting that illegal e-cigarettes have resulted in tax losses of billions of pesos ($17 million).

Jun.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product | DOJO OPAL Series Launches COSMOS E-Cigarette Featuring Sweetness, Coolness, and Acidity Flavor Profiles

E-cigarette brand DOJO has recently launched the new COSMOS edition under its DOJO OPAL series, which includes a total of three products. Despite its more compact size, the COSMOS edition retains a 16ml e-liquid capacity and an 800mAh battery, offering up to 12,000 puffs. The product also features detailed labeling of flavor attributes, including sweetness, coolness, and acidity levels.

Jun.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai

2Firsts Interview with Alchem: Addressing Quality, Speed, and Regulation in Next-Gen Nicotine Solutions

As global regulations tighten and demand for smoke-free alternatives grows, the nicotine industry is rapidly evolving. In an interview with 2Firsts, Alchem discusses how enhanced purity, consistency, and technological innovation help address quality, speed, and compliance challenges.

Jul.10

Singaporean Man Jailed for Over a Year for Tampering With E-Cigarette Evidence and Drug Possession While on the Run

A Singaporean man, acting on instructions from an illegal e-vaporizer importer, monitored a large haul of e-cigarettes seized by the Health Sciences Authority with the intent to steal the evidence and obstruct justice. He was later sentenced to one year, one month, and six weeks in jail for drug possession, drug use, and unlawful departure from the country.

Jul.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philip Morris Challenges Disposable Vape Ban in Swiss Canton, Federal Court to Deliver Key Ruling

PMI challenges Swiss canton's puff ban in court, citing federal law violations and harm to adult smokers. The case could redefine health policy authority in Switzerland, amid growing national restrictions.

Jun.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Saudi Arabia's New Regulation: Grocery Stores Banned from Selling Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Hookahs

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has issued a new regulation prohibiting grocery stores from selling tobacco, fresh foods like dates, e-cigarettes, and hookahs. Existing stores are given a 6-month period to make necessary adjustments.

Jun.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai