The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has begun legal proceedings against two online electronic cigarette retailers for breaching Australian consumer law.

The authority alleges that the companies – Social-Lites and Elusion New Zealand – made false or misleading representations on their websites that their e-cigarette products did not contain carcinogens or toxic chemicals found in conventional cigarettes. Independent tests showed that e-cigarettes sold by the companies contained harmful carcinogens and toxic chemicals, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein.

“It is imperative that suppliers have scientific evidence to support claims that their products do not contains carcinogens and toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetaldehyde,” ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

“This is particularly important when, as here, products are designed to be inhaled and are being differentiated from conventional tobacco cigarettes because they are claimed not to contain toxic chemicals.”

“There is an increasing level of concern among international, national and state authorities regarding the composition of e-cigarettes, and the likely effects of their use. The ACCC will continue to work with its local and international counterparts to ensure consumers are receiving accurate information about these products,” Mr Sims said.