Italy Investigates Misleading Advertising by BAT and Amazon

On April 18th, according to a report by foreign media outlet Market Watch, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) stated that British American Tobacco (BAT) and Amazon have been investigated for misleading messages in their advertisements for a new tobacco device.

The Italian Competition Authority has stated that an advertisement for the glo hyper X2 product, owned by British American Tobacco, falsely implies that the product does not contain nicotine. This advertisement was spread on Amazon and could pose health risks to some consumers, especially minors. According to Reuters, the product description for Glo Hyper X2 on Amazon Italy was found to advertise the product as a "smokeless and tasteless alternative to cigarettes that contains no nicotine".

Representatives from British American Tobacco and American Tobacco in Italy responded by stating that they will collaborate with the Italian Competition Authority to promptly make necessary changes.

On the afternoon of April 19th, it was found through a search on Amazon Italy that the platform no longer carried the glo hyper X2 product from 2FIRSTS.

Previously reported:

British-American Tobacco is under investigation by Italian regulators over the promotion of their product, glo hyper X2, as nicotine-free.

Further reading:

British American Tobacco responds to 2FIRSTS: Confirming that the disposable e-cigarette has been tested in the UK.

Two British and American tobacco companies are suspected of initiating an anti-e-cigarette ban movement in Australia. The related videos have been deleted.

The IBVTA states that any harm reduction statements made by BAT should now be subject to scrutiny.

Lawyers warn that BAT should not act as the enforcer for electronic cigarette laws.

BAT has launched a pop-up shop called "Glo studio" in South Korea, offering a new product experience event.

Reference:

BAT and Amazon are currently under investigation in Italy for advertising their tobacco heaters.