
What is IQOS?
IQOS is a heat-not-burn tobacco system from Philip Morris International. Rather than burning tobacco like a traditional cigarette, IQOS heats specially designed tobacco sticks to a controlled temperature — releasing a nicotine-containing vapour without combustion, smoke, or ash.
The result is real tobacco taste and satisfaction with significantly fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes. IQOS has helped millions of adult smokers worldwide make the switch from cigarettes, and is backed by extensive clinical research.

How Does IQOS Work?
IQOS ILUMA uses SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM™ technology to heat tobacco from within - without a blade, without burning, and without the mess of traditional cigarettes.
Simply insert a TEREA stick into your IQOS ILUMA device, wait a few seconds for it to heat up, then draw on it as you would a cigarette. Each TEREA stick provides up to 14 puffs or 6 minutes of use, similar to a cigarette, before the device lets you know it's finished.
There's no smoke, no ash, and the vapour dissipates quickly without lingering on clothes or furniture.
Discover TEREA Tobacco Sticks
TEREA sticks are designed exclusively for IQOS ILUMA devices. They contain real tobacco in a sealed aluminium stick with no exposed heating element — just insert and go. Available in a range of flavours from classic tobacco blends to menthol and aromatic options, there's a TEREA for every palate.
Classic Tobacco: Amber (nutty, woody), Sienna (roasted, bold), Yellow (mild, spiced), Teak (vanilla, nutty), Russet (rich malt).
Menthol & Aromatic: Blue (vanilla mint), Green (fresh mint), Turquoise (light menthol), Mauve (forest fruits & menthol).
Frequently Asked Questions About IQOS
Is IQOS safer than smoking cigarettes?
Is IQOS safer than smoking cigarettes?
While IQOS is not risk-free, studies by Philip Morris International suggest that switching completely to IQOS exposes you to significantly fewer harmful chemicals than continuing to smoke. IQOS emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes (excluding nicotine). However, this does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.
Does IQOS produce smoke?
Does IQOS produce smoke?
No. IQOS heats tobacco rather than burning it, so it produces a tobacco vapour (aerosol) — not smoke. There is no combustion, no ash, and the vapour dissipates more quickly than cigarette smoke without leaving a lingering smell on clothes, hair, or furniture.
What is the difference between TEREA and HEETS?
What is the difference between TEREA and HEETS?
TEREA sticks are designed for the newer IQOS ILUMA range, which uses bladeless induction heating. HEETS were designed for older IQOS devices (like the IQOS Originals DUO) that used a ceramic blade. The two are not interchangeable — TEREA sticks will only work with ILUMA devices, and HEETS will only work with blade-based devices. Do not attempt to use TEREA in older devices or HEETS in ILUMA devices, as this may cause damage.
Can you use IQOS indoors in the UK?
Can you use IQOS indoors in the UK?
Heated tobacco products do not currently fall under the UK's indoor smoking ban, so legally you can use IQOS indoors. However, individual venues, workplaces, and public spaces may have their own policies. It's always worth checking with staff or management before using IQOS in an indoor setting. While IQOS produces less odour than cigarettes, being considerate of those around you is always recommended.
How is IQOS different from vaping?
How is IQOS different from vaping?
The key difference is that IQOS heats real tobacco, while vapes heat an e-liquid that typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and flavourings. For smokers who want to move away from cigarettes but miss the authentic tobacco experience, IQOS offers something closer to the ritual and taste of smoking than a traditional vape does.
How much does IQOS cost to run compared to cigarettes?
How much does IQOS cost to run compared to cigarettes?
TEREA sticks have an RRP of £6 per pack of 20, compared to an average cigarette pack price of over £14. If you smoke a pack a day, switching to IQOS could save you over £3,000 per year. The initial cost of an IQOS ILUMA ONE Starter Kit starts from around £19-£39 depending on offers, which pays for itself within days of switching.
What TEREA flavours are available?
What TEREA flavours are available?
TEREA sticks come in a variety of flavours to suit different preferences. Classic tobacco options include Amber (nutty, woody notes), Sienna (bold, roasted), Yellow (mild, spiced), Teak (vanilla, nutty), and Russet (rich, malty). For menthol lovers, there's Blue (vanilla mint), Green (fresh mint), Turquoise (light menthol), and Mauve (forest fruits with menthol). Newer additions include capsule variants like Amelia Pearl, Twilight Pearl, and more.
Important Information
IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke.
* "95% less" represents the average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. See important information on iqos.com.
Savings claim compares the cost of smoking an average priced pack of cigarettes per day vs. consuming one packet of TEREA daily (RRP £6). Based on ONS average cigarette price data. Savings vary by ILUMA model selected.
Do not use TEREA sticks with previous IQOS generations. Do not ingest or disassemble TEREA sticks — this product contains a sharp metal part. Keep out of reach of children.