Italian Authorities Investigate Misleading Ads by BAT and Amazon

Apr.18.2023
Italian Authorities Investigate Misleading Ads by BAT and Amazon
Italian authorities investigate misleading ads for BAT's glo hyper X2 on Amazon for potential health risks.

On April 18th, according to a report by Market Watch, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) launched an investigation into British American Tobacco (BAT) and Amazon, citing claims that the two companies have been providing misleading information in their advertising for new heated tobacco devices.


The Italian competition watchdog announced that the advertising campaign for the glo hyper X2 product, owned by British American Tobacco, inaccurately suggested that the product is nicotine-free. The advertisement was disseminated on Amazon, and could potentially pose health risks to some consumers, particularly minors.


Currently, neither British American Tobacco nor Amazon have responded to the issue.


Further reading:


British American Tobacco responds to 2FIRSTS: Testing of disposable e-cigarettes in the UK is a valid concern.


British and American tobacco companies are suspected of initiating an anti-ban movement against electronic cigarettes in Australia. The related videos have been removed.


The IBVTA says that any harm reduction claims made by BAT should be questioned.


Legal Expert Op-Ed: BAT Cannot Serve as Enforcement Police for E-Cigarettes


BAT has launched a pop-up store called "Glo studio" in South Korea to kick off a new product experience event.


References:


Amazon and British American Tobacco are under investigation in Italy for their promotion of heated tobacco devices through advertising.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Exclusive|Logistics Operators Warn of Possible New U.S. Border Crackdown on Illicit Vapes
Exclusive|Logistics Operators Warn of Possible New U.S. Border Crackdown on Illicit Vapes
Recent inspections and cargo disruption have led some logistics operators in the China-U.S. vape trade to see early signs of another U.S. border crackdown on illicit e-cigarettes. With late April to early May viewed as a key risk window, the market is watching closely. The bigger question is not only whether enforcement will tighten, but whether it can be sustained.
Special Report
Apr.09
Disposable Vape Ban Shifts Purchasing Formats as UK Vape Volume Falls 10.3%
Disposable Vape Ban Shifts Purchasing Formats as UK Vape Volume Falls 10.3%
Data from convenience insight agency Talysis shows that the value of tobacco, vapes and smoking alternatives in the independent convenience sector fell by 4.4% in the first quarter of 2026, while volume fell by 7.8%. The vaping subcategory declined by 3.9% in value and 10.3% in volume over the same period. Talysis said the impact of the disposable vape ban continues to pressure turnover and footfall.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JTI Korea Introduces Ploom AURA With Four Heating Modes and Four Device Colors
JTI Korea Introduces Ploom AURA With Four Heating Modes and Four Device Colors
JTI Korea announced that its next-generation heated tobacco device Ploom AURA will officially launch in South Korea on April 14. The company held a media event on March 31 at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel to unveil the product in Korea for the first time.
Apr.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | Shenzhen Tobacco Authorities Ask Licensed Chinese Vape Manufacturers to Submit STN Details for U.S.-Bound Products
Exclusive | Shenzhen Tobacco Authorities Ask Licensed Chinese Vape Manufacturers to Submit STN Details for U.S.-Bound Products
Shenzhen tobacco authorities have asked licensed Chinese vape manufacturers to submit STN details for U.S.-bound products, including CTP Portal or STN email screenshots, highlighting a new compliance signal in cross-border oversight.
Apr.02
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
FDA Expands ENDS Market Access With First Authorization of Non-Tobacco and Non-Menthol Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on May 5, 2026 that it authorized the marketing of four Glas electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) products through the premarket tobacco product application (PMTA) pathway. The authorized products are Classic Menthol, Fresh Menthol, Gold and Sapphire pods, each containing 50mg/ml, or 5%, tobacco-derived nicotine.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan to Raise Tobacco Taxes and Corporate Income Tax From April 1 to Help Fund Defense Spending
Japan to Raise Tobacco Taxes and Corporate Income Tax From April 1 to Help Fund Defense Spending
Japan will raise tobacco product taxes and corporate income tax from April 1 as part of a package of levies to help fund a five-year defense spending increase totaling JPY 43 trillion. Tobacco taxes will be raised in two stages, with the first increase taking effect on April 1 and the second in October, while personal income tax is planned to rise in January.
Mar.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai