PMI speaks out: IQOS is not an e-cigarette, legal to sell in Mexico

Apr.18.2025

Philip Morris International (PMI) defends the legality of IQOS as a heated tobacco device in Mexico.

Key Points:

IQOS Legality Defense: Philip Morris International (PMI) Mexico stated that IQOS, as a heated tobacco device, is not considered an e-cigarette and complies with existing laws and regulations, making its sale in Mexico legal.

Legal and regulatory interpretation differences: While the new constitutional reform prohibits the sales of e-cigarettes, there are no clear regulations yet regarding heated tobacco devices.

Company pledges to comply with regulations: Philip Morris International (PMI) Mexico emphasizes that they will continue to follow Mexico's legal requirements and are committed to providing low-risk alternatives for adult smokers.

According to the reports from Oronoticiaspuebla on April 16th, companies in the tobacco industry have made it clear that products like IQOS, which are considered "heated tobacco products," are legal in Mexico under the current legal framework, and their sales are allowed.

This stance is in opposition to the recent constitutional reform that explicitly prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products.

Philip Morris International (PMI) Mexico emphasized that the reform clearly mentioned "e-cigarettes and vaping products," but did not include heated tobacco devices like IQOS. The company pointed out that this distinction is not a personal opinion, but is based on legal and regulatory interpretations.

Therefore, our products are able to provide options for adult smokers seeking alternatives with low risk, while adhering to current tobacco product regulations.

At Philip Morris International (PMI) Mexico, we reaffirm our commitment to continue complying with existing national laws and regulations, and to promote a better alternative as a substitute for cigarettes. It is important to clarify that the IQOS heated tobacco device is not an e-cigarette, it is a device that heats real tobacco without combustion, therefore it does not produce smoke.

References:

[1] Tabacaleras defienden legalidad de IQOS: “No es vapeador”

Also Read:

[1] Mexico Bans Production, Sale, and Distribution of E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices

[2] Mexico Federal Congress Bans E-cigarettes and Fentanyl Misuse

[3] Mexico Supreme Court Rules E-cigarette Ban Unconstitutional

[4] Mexico to ban e-cigarettes this year, says President Sheinbaum.

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