Brazil Procon Goiás Fines Facebook Over Advertising of Electronic Cigarettes
Brazilian Consumer Protection Agency Cracks Down on Illegal Vape Ads Targeting Youth
Procon Goiás, the consumer protection agency in the Brazilian state of Goiás, has notified Facebook to provide information about advertisements on its platform promoting the sale of electronic smoking devices, including vapes, pods, and e-cigarettes. The agency took action after monitoring the app’s marketplace and discovering numerous ads from establishments selling these products.
Anvisa Banned E-Cigarettes in Brazil Since 2009
In 2009, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) prohibited the manufacture, sale, import, distribution, transport, and advertising of all types of electronic smoking devices in Brazil. Despite this ban, aggressive advertising by vape sellers has continued to attract consumers, particularly young people.
Marco Palmerston, the superintendent of Procon Goiás, highlighted the appealing nature of these devices to youth. “They are very attractive. They are colorful, scented, flavored, and have been promoted as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes, which is not the reality,” he explained.
Facebook Notified to Cease All Vape Advertising in Goiás
Procon Goiás has notified Facebook to stop all forms of exposure or advertising of vapes, pods, and e-cigarettes, as well as accessories, in the state of Goiás. The company was fined for allowing products that are considered inappropriate and harmful to consumer health to reach the consumer market, in addition to being in violation of regulations issued by competent authorities.
Palmerston emphasized the ease of finding advertisements for these products. “It doesn’t take extensive research. Just 30 seconds on one of these apps and the ads jump out at you, some even as sponsored ads.”
Procon Goiás Conducts Regular Inspections and Seizures
The inspection department of Procon Goiás routinely conducts operations targeting tobacco shops and other companies that sell vapes and e-cigarettes. From 2021 to 2024, the agency inspected 61 establishments, resulting in 48 infraction notices. During this period, nearly 13,000 units of items were seized, including e-cigarettes, vapes, accessories, essences, and pods, totaling more than 650 kilograms of products.
As the sale and advertising of electronic smoking devices remain illegal in Brazil, Procon Goiás continues its efforts to protect consumers, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of these products. By holding companies like Facebook accountable for allowing the promotion of banned items, the agency aims to reduce access to and demand for e-cigarettes and vapes in the state of Goiás.
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