A Slovak e-cigarette company was hit with a massive fine in Hungary for unlawfully selling the popular Elf Bar vapes. Authorities continue working to combat the black market distribution of the banned disposable e-cigs.
Elf Bar has become a viral sensation, especially among youth. But in Hungary the disposable vape device is prohibited. Despite this, a Slovak online retailer was caught misleadingly offering Elf Bars on its Hungarian site.
The company was handed a nearly $103,500 penalty. This article covers Hungary’s fight against the spread of illegal Elf Bars.
Investigation and Ruling
Last summer, the Hungarian Competition Authority opened cases against two Slovak e-cigarette websites operating in the Hungarian language.
The sites violated the ban by promoting and selling Elf Bar products. Using an interim measure, the regulator quickly ordered both be taken offline.
The first case concluded recently with the maximum allowable fine of 40 million forints ($103,500) against the company Bensons Europe.
Authorities determined the firm misled consumers into thinking it could legally market Elf Bars in Hungary. The judgement cited preying on minors and ignoring sector rules as aggravating factors.
Elf Bar Concerns
Elf Bar is a prefilled, disposable vape device often packaged to look like flash drives. It comes in various fruit and dessert flavors.
The National Center for Public Health in Hungary has warned about potential health hazards from using Elf Bars. Their high nicotine content also risks quickly leading to addiction, especially among youth.
Elf Bar first gained popularity internationally through the brand JUUL. After being copied in China, it spread through uncontrolled distribution networks.
Hungary banned Elf Bar sales amidst surging black market availability and use by underage vapers. Authorities continue working to keep it off the market.
Ongoing Fight Against Illegal Elf Bars
Along with the Slovak vendor penalty, Hungary employs other measures to combat unlawful Elf Bar trading:
- The National Tax and Customs Administration has seized over $414,000 worth of products and issued $51,700 in fines.
- Fines were levied against Bensons Europe for non-compliance and working around the interim judgment.
- Daily increasing enforcement fines eventually compelled the company to close its website.
- A coalition of agencies conducts operations to eliminate Elf Bars from around schools.
- Online monitoring aims to quickly identify and shut down illicit sales.
The Competition Authority determined the company intentionally broke the rules and misled consumers about the legality of purchasing Elf Bars. The maximum financial penalty was applied as a result.
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