Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Search

PMI launches IQOS pilot programme in Austin, Texas

Oct.22.2024
PMI launches IQOS pilot programme in Austin, Texas
Philip Morris International (PMI) launches an IQOS pilot programme in Austin, Texas, designed to help smokers quit conventional cigarettes.

Philip Morris International (PMI) is launching a pilot programme for its IQOS heated tobacco device in Austin, Texas, KXAN reported on 21 October. The initiative aims to help smokers switch from traditional cigarettes by offering a less harmful alternative.

 

Although the company has been selling HTP products in international markets, this pilot program in Austin marks its first entry into the US market.

 

Nearly 8% of high school students currently use e-cigarettes, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The company's CEO in the US, Stacey Kennedy, said that IQOS is not and will never be marketed to anyone under the age of 21. She added that their research shows that almost no non-smokers start using IQOS.

 

"Our marketing is only aimed at current nicotine or traditional tobacco users. If you are already a nicotine user, especially if you are unable to quit, switching to a better product would be a better choice."

 

PMI has indicated that it will conduct research and focus groups in Austin before making IQOS available to the public.

 

References:
[1] Tobacco company says it’s launching product in Austin to help smokers quit cigarettes
Also Read:
[1] Philip Morris International and others agree to pay $23.6 billion
[2] PMI Real-Time Audio Webcast of Q3 2024 Financial Results
[3] 30 Years of Innovation: Philip Morris International's Transformation Journey
[4] PMI's IQOS Revenue Surpasses Marlboro, Aiming for 100B sales
[5] PMI Invests $232M to Expand Nicotine Pouch Factory in Kentucky
[6] PMI Delays IQOS Trial in the US, ILUMA to Receive FDA Authorization in 2025
#PMI

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
Sweden is expected to oppose a European Union proposal to raise minimum tobacco excise duties, Law360 reported on October 26, 2026, citing an EU official. A provisional Council agenda dated October 23 confirms that the tobacco taxation package is scheduled for discussion at the November 9 finance ministers' meeting, where member states will seek a general approach. The proposed reforms would raise minimum taxes on conventional tobacco products and establish EU-wide excise rules for vaping liquids, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. Sweden supports harmonising tobacco taxation rules but objects to requiring nicotine pouches to bear the same minimum tax burden as certain smoking tobacco products. As EU indirect tax legislation requires unanimous Council approval, Swedish opposition could block the proposal in its current form.
Regulations
Oct.29
U.S. Customs Plan to Require Foreign Export Declarations Could Deal ‘Devastating’ Blow to China’s Vape Exports, Logistics gl Expert Says
U.S. Customs Plan to Require Foreign Export Declarations Could Deal ‘Devastating’ Blow to China’s Vape Exports, Logistics gl Expert Says
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection proposal to collect foreign export declarations and other overseas customs documents could expose discrepancies in the value, classification and description of China-made vape shipments entering the United States. A veteran Chinese logistics professional told 2Firsts that the measure, if implemented, could undermine the all-inclusive shipping model used by some unauthorized vape exporters and push parts of the trade toward costlier underground channels. The risk extends beyond higher duties: accurately declared products may also be more readily identified as unauthorized e-cigarettes subject to FDA enforcement.
Special Report
Sep.07
Product | PMI Launches TEREA Black Mint Pearl in Japan, Adding First Capsule Variant to Black Range With Nationwide Rollout From October 19
Product | PMI Launches TEREA Black Mint Pearl in Japan, Adding First Capsule Variant to Black Range With Nationwide Rollout From October 19
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) launched TEREA Black Mint Pearl on October 15, 2026, introducing the first capsule-equipped heated tobacco stick in the TEREA Black range for IQOS ILUMA devices. The product combines a strong menthol profile with a crushable mint capsule and is priced at ¥640 per 20-stick pack, including tax. Sales began at four IQOS stores and selected retail partners on October 15, with distribution expanding to convenience stores and other tobacco retailers nationwide from October 19. The launch brings Japan's TEREA portfolio to 28 variants, including 21 menthol-related products, or 75% of the range.
product
Oct.16 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Swedish Match Faces Broader Labeling Order After ZYN Inspection, Documents Obtained by 2Firsts Show
Swedish Match Faces Broader Labeling Order After ZYN Inspection, Documents Obtained by 2Firsts Show
Documents obtained by 2Firsts show that Sweden's Public Health Agency ordered Swedish Match to revise ingredient labels beyond the five ZYN products inspected. The dispute centers on whether flavoring ingredients must be individually disclosed, with Swedish Match citing trade-secret protection and the regulator insisting on full ingredient disclosure. The company faces a conditional penalty of SEK 2 million per month for noncompliance. As of October 22, the agency had received no appeal, despite the company's stated intention to challenge the decision.
Oct.22
FDA Appoints Former Tobacco Enforcement Deputy Jessica Zeller as Director as Agency Weighs PMTA Framework Changes
FDA Appoints Former Tobacco Enforcement Deputy Jessica Zeller as Director as Agency Weighs PMTA Framework Changes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has named Jessica Zeller director of the Center for Tobacco Products' (CTP) Office of Compliance and Enforcement (OCE), effective November 1, 2026. Zeller, the office's inaugural deputy director, returns from medical device manufacturer Edwards Lifesciences with more than 20 years of regulatory and legal experience. The appointment follows CTP leadership changes and adjustments to tobacco regulation. Bret Koplow became permanent CTP director in September; the FDA revised enforcement priorities for unauthorized e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches in May and announced faster PMTA review procedures. On September 28, the agency said it would evaluate changes to the existing PMTA regulatory framework, including potential rulemaking to replace it.
FDA
Oct.20 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
Swedish nicotine pouch brand Kelly White is building its strategy around adult female consumers. Founder and CEO Sophia Wilsby told 2Firsts that women accounted for around 70% of the brand’s repeat customers on HAYPP in Sweden in 2025. The interview explores female consumer segmentation, product and design differentiation, gender stereotypes, packaging regulation, and how independent brands can compete with global players such as ZYN and VELO while considering funding, partnerships and future ownership options.
Business
Sep.24
Related Topics
HEADLINE News
Related Read
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
Sweden Threatens EU Tobacco Tax Deal as Nicotine Pouch Duty Dispute Looms Over November 9 Meeting
U.S. Customs Plan to Require Foreign Export Declarations Could Deal ‘Devastating’ Blow to China’s Vape Exports, Logistics gl Expert Says
U.S. Customs Plan to Require Foreign Export Declarations Could Deal ‘Devastating’ Blow to China’s Vape Exports, Logistics gl Expert Says
Product | PMI Launches TEREA Black Mint Pearl in Japan, Adding First Capsule Variant to Black Range With Nationwide Rollout From October 19
Product | PMI Launches TEREA Black Mint Pearl in Japan, Adding First Capsule Variant to Black Range With Nationwide Rollout From October 19
2Firsts Perspectives
Swedish Match Faces Broader Labeling Order After ZYN Inspection, Documents Obtained by 2Firsts Show
Swedish Match Faces Broader Labeling Order After ZYN Inspection, Documents Obtained by 2Firsts Show
FDA Appoints Former Tobacco Enforcement Deputy Jessica Zeller as Director as Agency Weighs PMTA Framework Changes
FDA Appoints Former Tobacco Enforcement Deputy Jessica Zeller as Director as Agency Weighs PMTA Framework Changes
2Firsts Perspectives
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Contact: info@2firsts.com
Stay up to date.
Submit your email to receive weekly newsletter on the most relevant news of the e-cigarette industry.
© 2026 2FIRSTS. All Right Reserved.
2FIRSTS is only accessible to industry practitioners, researchers, media and other professionals. Access by minors is prohibited.
This website provides services to users outside the Chinese mainland.
English
English
中文