What is the difference between IQOS as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product and vaping products?

You can find answers to questions about the FDA's decision in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Supporting services FAQ categories FDA authorization for IQOS What is the difference between IQOS as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product and vaping products?
Supporting services FAQ categories FDA authorization for IQOS What is the difference between IQOS as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product and vaping products?


Similar to our IQOS heat-not-burn system, vaping products are smoke-free alternatives to continued smoking. However, there are also important differences between the two. E-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco. Instead, they heat an e-liquid containing nicotine and flavors to produce an aerosol.

So far, no vaping product has been authorized for marketing by the US FDA.

The IQOS system is the first and only tobacco heating system authorized in the US as a Modified Risk Tobacco Product. The FDA concluded that switching completely to IQOS reduces the body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.*

Important information: IQOS is not risk-free. It delivers nicotine, which is addictive.

* Source: PMI 3-month reduced exposure studies conducted in Japan and the US in near real world conditions. These studies measured exposure to 15 harmful chemicals, and compared to the levels observed in smokers who switched to IQOS with levels measured in smokers who continued to smoke cigarettes.

Important information: This product is not risk free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adult smokers.