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

Editorial says West Virginia’s HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” goes too far, targeting residency and citizenship provisions

A News and Sentinel editorial argues that West Virginia’s HB 5437, the “Vape Safety Act,” goes beyond reasonable regulation by adding provisions barring any part of a vape or smoke shop from being used as a residence and requiring owners to be U.S. citizens.

Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging

Glasgow residents have been warned that throwing batteries and vapes away at home can endanger refuse workers, amid bin lorries catching fire. The city council said it will launch a communications campaign next month to tell people to place batteries in special bins at supermarkets or household waste recycling centres, supported by a dedicated web page listing other disposal sites.

Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” advances in House committee, proposing statewide licensing for vape shops

A committee substitute for House Bill 5437, the Vape Safety Act sponsored by Del. David McCormick (David McCormick), was recommended Monday afternoon by the House Health and Human Resources Committee to the full House, with the bill next heading to the House Judiciary Committee. HB 5437 would require specialty shops selling tobacco, tobacco-derived products, alternative nicotine, or vapor products and accessories to obtain a state license from the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (ABCA)

Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Nicotine Becomes Second-Largest Revenue Source for Couche-Tard in Fiscal 2025

Alimentation Couche-Tard reported that nicotine products accounted for 9% of total revenue in fiscal 2025, making it the company’s second-largest revenue source after fuel, according to its latest Business Strategy Update.

Market

Feb.19

FDA Commissioner Stresses “Predictability” as Science Chief Addresses Industry Uncertainty

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary briefly appeared at the February 10 PMTA roundtable, underscoring the importance of regulatory predictability. At the close of the session, Office of Science Director Matthew Farrelly responded to industry concerns over review uncertainty, stating the agency will issue a written summary of feedback, while reiterating that no fixed quantitative risk benchmark governs authorization decisions.

Feb.11

West Virginia Bill Seeks to Replace Per-mL Vape Liquid Tax With 50% Sales-Price Tax

West Virginia proposes tax rate adjustments on e-cigarette devices and e-liquids, with penalties for late reporting. Effective from July 1, 2026.

Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai