(Tiper Stock Exchange) – “Our International Marketing Principles clearly define our approach to responsible marketing, which is in addition to the requirements established by the laws in force locally. We are available to collaborate with the Competition and Market Authority to ensure a timely conclusion of this proceeding”. So a spokesperson for BAT Italy comments on the decision of the Italian Antitrust Authority to initiate preliminary proceedings against British American Tobacco Italia, Amazon Services Europe and Amazon Italia Customer Services.
The investigation – reports the note released this morning by the AGCM – “regards the promotional activity connected with the sale of the Glo Hyper X2 devicethe latest model of heated tobacco product developed and marketed by British American Tobacco”.
In the messages with which Glo Hyper X2 is advertised – explains the Authority – it is not explained, or it is stated inadequately, that its use involves the emission of nicotine; in some messages, indeed, it is explicitly stated that consumption is “without nicotine”. Similar information shortcomings concern the warning that the product is intended for an adult audience.
“Omission and/or misleading of this essential information in product promotional messages could lead consumers to make a different business decision than they otherwise would have madeexposing the latter, and especially minors, at the risk of unknowingly suffering damage to one’s health”.