Published: 2023-09-06
The Hungarian Competition Authority has recently fined a Slovak online shop for misleadingly advertising e-cigarettes and [[Elf Bar products](https://www.reddit.com/r/budapest/comments/v6td13/where_to_buy_disposable_vapes_in_budapest/)](https://hungary.postsen.com/news/13583/It-is-also-illegal-to-own-an-Elf-Bar.html) as legally available in Hungary. This article discusses the crackdown by Hungarian authorities on the illegal sale of Elf Bar and the potential harm these products can pose, especially to young people.
Misleading Advertising and Violation of Rules
The Slovak online shop has been fined almost 40 million forints (EUR 103,500) for misleadingly suggesting that e-cigarettes and Elf Bar products could be legally ordered in Hungary. The company violated sectoral rules and marketing prohibitions and targeted children and minors with these products. The National Center for Public Health has also stated that these products can have harmful effects on health.
Illegality of Elf Bar in Hungary
The Elf Bar is a disposable, smoking-imitating device that is illegal in Hungary. It is designed for young people and comes in various flavors, making it highly addictive. The product originated from an American product called JUUL and was copied in China. The Elf Bar vapes company, based in California, manufactures these products in China. Due to its illegality in Hungary, the distribution of Elf Bar has occurred through black market dealer networks, causing it to end up in the hands of minors.
Strict Enforcement by Hungarian Authorities
Hungarian authorities, including the Competition Authority and the National Tax and Customs Administration, have taken action to combat the illegal trade of Elf Bar products. The authorities have organized operations to seize and remove these products from the market, resulting in significant fines and confiscated goods.
Future Focus on Online Sales
The authorities have successfully eliminated the illegal activity surrounding Elf Bar products near schools and public institutions. However, they express interest in further effective actions, particularly in the online space, to ensure the restriction of such harmful products.
Conclusion
Hungarian authorities are cracking down on the illegal sale of Elf Bar products and have imposed fines on a Slovak online shop for misleading advertising. These actions aim to protect the health of young people and prevent the distribution of addictive and harmful substances in the country. The authorities are committed to ongoing enforcement efforts and are particularly focused on addressing online sales of these products.
Questions & Answers
What was the fine imposed by the Hungarian Competition Authority on a Slovak online shop? The Hungarian Competition Authority imposed a maximum fine of almost 40 million forints (EUR 103,500) on a Slovak online shop for misleadingly suggesting that e-cigarettes and Elf Bar products could be legally ordered from it in Hungary.
What did the Slovak online shops sell on their Hungarian-language websites? The Slovak online shops were selling e-cigarettes and Elf Bar products on their Hungarian-language websites.
What action did the Hungarian Competition Authority take against the online shops? The authority used an interim measure to immediately order the closure of the online shops until the cases were closed.
Who is the president of the Hungarian Competition Authority? The president of the Hungarian Competition Authority is Csaba Balázs Rigó.
What rules did the company violate according to the Hungarian Competition Authority? The company violated clear sectoral rules and marketing prohibitions, and its behavior was partly aimed at children and minors.
Why is the Elf Bar considered an illegal product in Hungary? The Elf Bar is considered an illegal product in Hungary because it is specifically designed for young people and can quickly become addictive. Additionally, its unknown and untested composition, as well as its high nicotine content, make it particularly dangerous.
Where is the company Elf Bar vapes based? The company Elf Bar vapes is based in California, US.
Where are Elf Bar products manufactured? Elf Bar products are manufactured in China.
What action has the government taken to protect the health of young people regarding the Elf Bar? The government has taken action to protect the health of young people by imposing fines and organizing operations to remove Elf Bar products from the market.
What are the results so far of the operations against Elf Bar products? The results so far include the seizure of goods worth over 160 million forints (EUR 414,100) and fines amounting to 20 million forints (EUR 51,700).
Who is monitoring the illegal trade of Elf Bar products? The National Tax and Customs Administration is monitoring the illegal trade of Elf Bar products.
Which organizations have coordinated actions to eliminate the illegal activity related to Elf Bar? The Hungarian Competition Authority, the Ministry of the Interior, the National Tax and Customs Administration, the National Police Headquarters, and the Kopp Mária Institute have coordinated actions to eliminate the illegal activity related to Elf Bar.
