Italy: Announced AGCM Investigation against Bat Italia and Amazon for Alleged Misleading Advertising

On 17 April 2023, the Italian Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) initiated preliminary proceedings against British American Tobacco Italia, Amazon Services Europe and Amazon Italia Customer Services. The investigation pertains to the promotional activity related to the sale of Glo Hyper X2 and Glo Hyper Air, heated tobacco products. The AGCM alleges that the promotional messages for the Glo Hyper X2 device omit or provide misleading information regarding the health risks associated with the product and its prohibition for minors. The omission or deceptive nature of this information could potentially lead consumers, particularly minors, to make different commercial decisions, thereby exposing them to potential health risks.