Stay Away from Fake Pods and Devices

May 8, 2020

Table of Contents

April 20, 2020

RELX was founded in early 2018 and has quickly become Asia’s leading independent vaping brand. However, we have seen a rise in the production and sale of illicit RELX products being sold online. There is no indication that such products are manufactured to the strict quality and reliability standards that RELX prides itself on or information about the content of these products. These illicit products bring great risk to consumers who think they are purchasing authentic RELX products.

RELX would like to warn our customers and potential customers: Transparent RELX pods, counterfeit engraved RELX devices, co-branded RELX devices, or RELX products being sold at a large discount are not genuine RELX products. For assurance of quality and reliability, RELX customers should avoid purchasing these illicit products.

Purchasing compatible pods carries serious risk, avoid buying them.

Various online dealers, websites, and even some offline retailers sell various kinds of illicit compatible vape pods. The compatible pods are sold at a lower price point than RELX vape pods and are often sold in bundles with authentic vape devices. One of the most common types of illicit compatible pods are the transparent pods.

Illicit compatible pods

According to test results from RELX’s laboratory, the illicit compatible pods often use inferior e-liquids; contain harmful substances like toluene at levels that greatly exceed normal standards; and the nicotine content does not match what is advertised on the packaging. This explains why the compatible pods are often sold at a much lower price.

Compatible pods’ nicotine content does not match the packaging

BTEX is a general term for a class of compounds, including methylbenzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and other compounds. These compounds can be found in medications, flavoring substances, and agricultural chemicals. Numerous industries have strict standards for the percentage of BTEX compounds that can be used in specific products. Toluene, which was found may cause central nervous system depression and arrhythmias to persons acutely exposed. RELX Lab tests found that the toluene percentage in illicit products was higher than acceptable standards.

We have told consumers through SkyKiwi that most compatible pods have serious e-liquid leakage problems and do not purchase any compatible pods. The manufacturers of these cartridges do not have after-sales service or quality certifications. It is greatly irresponsible to use these kinds of products.

Do not purchase compatible pods.

Avoid Purchasing Counterfeit Engraved Devices

Counterfeit RELX devices engraved with a luxury brand’s logo, or co-branded devices, are also sold on different social media networks like WeChat, Facebook and Instagram.

Engraved devices that look like authentic RELX devices

The fake engraved devices are similar to compatible pods in that they are produced in factories with no certification. The products are not only a serious violation of RELX’s intellectual property, they are also a safety hazard, as their batteries are not properly tested. There have already been a number of cases where the battery of an engraved device has exploded.

Engraved devices over heated and burnt

Chen Changlu, Deputy General Manager at Contemporary Amperex Technology, a leading Chinese battery manufacturer stated in an interview, “Lithium is a very active element. If not managed properly, it can easily lead to an item catching fire or even exploding. Developing safe designs is essential when using lithium batteries, but the market has many different players. Some manufacturers remove the safety protection device or use inferior materials, creating a potential safety hazard. Please refrain from purchasing any products from unregulated manufacturers and only purchase products from legitimate manufacturers on official channels.”

RELX’s Golden Shield team has been working with other brands and local law enforcement in China to find and stop the production and sale of illicit vape products.

Illicit goods seized as a result of the Golden Shield team's work

Do not purchase fake engraved devices!

Since 2019, the Golden Shield team has worked with local law enforcement in China on a number of cases to reduce the production and sale of illicit vapor products. Customers should only buy products from authorized channels and use QR code scanners to verify the authenticity of RELX products.

Compatible pods, fake engraved devices, and products sold on third party platforms are unreliable and not safe. Please be extra mindful and avoid purchasing those products.

If you ever come across any suspicious products, please contact us at support@relxnow.co.nz.