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

Why Many E-Liquids Today Are "Not Bad, but Not Memorable" – Mylor’s Approach to Experience Design

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact

EVO NXT European Tobacco & NGP Exhibition

Nearly 35.00% of Surveyed Retailers Shifted to Online Sales After Tighter Controls in Vietnam

A study of nearly 2,500 university students in Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City found that the average age of first use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products was 16.90. The findings were presented on April 9 in Hanoi. The study also found that 14.00% of students had tried e-cigarettes and 3.00% were current users, while the figures for heated tobacco were 6.00% and 0.80%. % of surveyed retail outlets moving to online sales.

Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Ukrainian Committee Chair Says Nicotine Pouches Should Be Fully Banned for Sale to Minors

Mykhailo Radutskyi, chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Health, Medical Assistance and Medical Insurance, said nicotine pouches should be fully banned for sale to minors and their advertising should be restricted.

Apr.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

FDA Opens Public Comment Period on Draft Guidance for Flavored E-Cigarette Applications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products announced an open public comment period for a draft guidance titled Flavored Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) Premarket Applications – Considerations Related to Youth Risk.

Apr.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philip Morris International Says Part of Owensboro ZYN Output Is Exceeding Market Demand

Philip Morris International said its Swedish Match facility in Owensboro will adjust part of its production schedule this summer in response to changing market conditions. According to a notice the company gave union leadership and employees on April 22, parts of ZYN production will shift from a 24/7 schedule back to a 24/5 schedule. The ZYN Flagship department will return to a five-day, three-shift operation.

Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

KT&G Q1 2026 Financial Results: Revenue at $1.156 Billion, E-Cigarettes to Launch Independent Overseas Expansion

KT&G reports a 27.6% increase in Q1 operating profit, with traditional and new tobacco sectors driving growth.

May.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarettes and e-liquid containing harmful substances

Indonesian drug agency chief proposes ban on e-cigarette and e-liquid in new draft law, citing dangerous substances found.

Apr.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai