A Slovak company, Airbox, was fined 189 million forints by the Hungarian Competition Authority (GVH) for falsely implying legal sales of e-cigarettes and smoking-simulating electronic devices online, despite national bans. The GVH urges consumers to be cautious when ordering tobacco products online, emphasizing health risks and legal consequences.

The GVH initiated proceedings against Airbox in February 2024 for suspected deceptive practices regarding the sale of products in Hungary on their Hungarian website.

It was revealed during the investigation that Airbox misled Hungarian consumers between June 2022 and February 2024 by implying lawful sales of e-cigarettes and smoking-simulating devices. The GVH found this to be unfair commercial practice and imposed the maximum fine of 189 million forints on the Slovak company.

Following the initiation of proceedings, the GVH promptly acted to protect Hungarian consumers by blocking access to the website in Hungary. The GVH's extended powers allow for more effective protection of Hungarian consumers.