On August 13, Daily News Hungary reported that the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) levied a significant fine of 189 million forints (approximately $528,000) on the Slovak company Airbox. The fine was imposed due to the company’s illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vaping devices through its Hungarian-language website, which misled consumers into believing these products were legal.
Strict Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes
Hungarian law strictly prohibits the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vaping devices in the domestic market. Additionally, the online remote sale of these products is banned to prevent illegal distribution and protect public health, particularly among minors.
GVH’s Investigation into Airbox
Investigation Timeline and Findings
The GVH launched an investigation into Airbox in February 2024, uncovering that from June 2022 to February 2024, the company had consistently disseminated misleading information on its website. This misinformation led Hungarian consumers to believe that flavored e-cigarettes were legal in Hungary, when in fact, they were not.
Violations and Penalties
The GVH found that Airbox violated fair competition principles by engaging in unfair commercial practices. As a result, the GVH Competition Committee imposed the maximum fine of 189 million forints (approximately $528,000) on the company. Additionally, the GVH blocked Airbox’s website to prevent further consumer deception.
Penalties on Other Companies
The GVH’s actions against Airbox are part of a broader crackdown on the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes in Hungary. Similar penalties were previously imposed on two other Slovak companies that sold the popular Elf Bar e-cigarettes on their Hungarian-language websites. These products are particularly favored by minors, raising significant public health concerns.
Public Health and Consumer Safety
Threats to Public Health
The GVH emphasized that the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes not only violates the law but also poses a serious threat to public health. The availability of these products online, particularly to minors, exacerbates the risks associated with nicotine addiction and the use of unregulated vaping devices.
Consumer Awareness and Legal Consequences
The GVH urged consumers, especially minors and their parents, to exercise caution when purchasing tobacco products online. Engaging in the purchase or possession of illegal e-cigarettes can lead to legal consequences in Hungary. The authority reiterated the importance of buying tobacco products through authorized and legitimate retail channels to ensure safety and compliance with the law.
Hungary’s strict enforcement of its e-cigarette regulations, exemplified by the significant fine imposed on Airbox, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting public health and maintaining fair competition in the market. The GVH’s actions serve as a warning to other companies that may attempt to circumvent Hungarian laws by selling illegal products online. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and purchase tobacco products only through legitimate channels to avoid potential legal and health risks.
FAQs
What fine did the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) impose on Airbox?
The GVH imposed a fine of 189 million forints (approximately $528,000) on Airbox for the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vaping devices through its Hungarian-language website.
Why are flavored e-cigarettes banned in Hungary?
Flavored e-cigarettes are banned in Hungary to protect public health, particularly to prevent nicotine addiction among minors and reduce the use of unregulated vaping devices.
What other actions did the GVH take against Airbox?
In addition to the fine, the GVH blocked Airbox’s website to prevent further consumer deception and illegal sales.
Have other companies faced similar penalties?
Yes, the GVH previously imposed similar penalties on two other Slovak companies that sold Elf Bar e-cigarettes on their Hungarian-language websites, products that are particularly popular among minors.
What are the potential legal consequences of purchasing illegal e-cigarettes in Hungary?
Consumers, particularly minors, who purchase or possess illegal e-cigarettes may face legal consequences in Hungary. The GVH advises purchasing tobacco products only through authorized and legitimate retail channels.
How can consumers ensure they are buying legal tobacco products?
Consumers should purchase tobacco products only from authorized and legitimate retail channels to ensure compliance with Hungarian laws and to protect their health and safety.
