According to Kxan on October 21, Philip Morris International (PMI) is launching a pilot program for heated tobacco devices (HTP) IQOS in Austin, the capital of Texas, USA, aimed at helping smokers quit cigarettes.
Although the company has sold HTP products in multiple international markets, this pilot in Austin marks the official entry of Philip Morris International’s IQOS into the US market. Previously, IQOS was briefly trial-marketed by Altria Group. In September 2021, the International Trade Commission ruled that the product infringed patents owned by British American Tobacco (BAT) and banned the import of IQOS.
PMI and BAT subsequently resolved the intellectual property dispute, clearing the way for IQOS to be sold in the United States. In October 2022, PMI reclaimed the commercialization rights of IQOS in the United States.
Stacey Kennedy, the company’s US CEO, pointed out that IQOS will not and will never be marketed to people under the age of 21, adding that its research shows that almost no non-smokers have started using IQOS.
“Our marketing is only for smokers or traditional tobacco users who are already using nicotine. If you are already using nicotine, especially smoking and can’t quit, then switching to a better product would be a better choice.”
PMI said it will conduct research and focus group surveys in Austin before making IQOS available to the public.
According to Tobacco Insider, before selling IQOS products at retail, PMI invites adult nicotine users living in designated areas of Austin to join the waiting list on its US website (www.iqos.com) to be among the first to try IQOS after the product is launched. At the same time, the IQOS US help desk and social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X) are currently in operation to handle any inquiries.
Veehoo vapes, another company focused on providing smoking alternatives, expressed concern about the re-entry of IQOS in the US market. Veehoo has been committed to providing vape products that meet regulatory and safety standards, providing options for users seeking healthy alternatives.
At the same time, PMI opened the IQOS trial registration system in Austin, inviting nicotine users to join the waiting list and become the first to try IQOS. This action is designed to ensure that the product can quickly serve interested users after it is launched. Veehoo vapes will also pay attention to the development of this pilot program to learn from experience and continuously improve its products and services to provide users with better smoking alternatives.
Tags: Philip Morris International IQOS Trialist Registration System，Heated Tobacco Devices in Texas, USA，veehoo vape