FDA Renews Exposure Modification Authorization for IQOS Devices and Three HeatSticks Products

Apr.20
FDA Renews Exposure Modification Authorization for IQOS Devices and Three HeatSticks Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration renewed modified risk granted orders for five IQOS products from Philip Morris Products S.A., including two IQOS system holders and chargers and three HeatSticks products. Under the renewed orders, the products may continue to be marketed with an exposure modification claim.

Key Takeaways

  • FDA renewed modified risk granted orders for five IQOS products from Philip Morris Products S.A.
  • The renewed products include the IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger, IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger, and three Marlboro HeatSticks products.
  • The products may continue to be marketed with an exposure modification claim stating that the IQOS system heats tobacco but does not burn it and significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals.
  • FDA said the available new scientific evidence remained generally consistent with the evidence reviewed in the original MRTP applications.

2Firsts, April 20, 2026 

 

According to FDA, the agency renewed modified risk granted orders for five IQOS products from Philip Morris Products S.A. following scientific review.


Five IQOS products received renewed modified risk orders


The products receiving renewed orders are the IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger (PM0000479), the IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger (PM0000634), Marlboro Amber HeatSticks, previously Marlboro HeatSticks (PM0000424), Marlboro Green Menthol HeatSticks, previously Marlboro Smooth Menthol HeatSticks (PM0000425), and Marlboro Blue Menthol HeatSticks, previously Marlboro Fresh Menthol HeatSticks (PM0000426).


The products may continue to use the exposure modification claim


Under the renewed orders, these five products may continue to be marketed with the following exposure modification claim: available evidence to date shows that the IQOS system heats tobacco but does not burn it; this significantly reduces the production of harmful and potentially harmful chemicals; and scientific studies have shown that switching completely from conventional cigarettes to the IQOS system significantly reduces the body’s exposure to harmful or potentially harmful chemicals.


FDA said new evidence continues to support the original conclusions


FDA said its review found that the available new scientific evidence was generally consistent with the evidence reviewed in the original MRTP applications and continued to support the original conclusions that the exposure modification claims are supported by scientific evidence and that the products are expected to benefit the health of the population as a whole.


The orders apply only to the specified products and claims


FDA said the renewed modified risk orders are specific to the above products and their submission tracking numbers. 

 

The agency also said it may withdraw the orders if it later determines, among other things, that continued marketing of the products as modified risk tobacco products no longer benefits the health of the population as a whole.


FDA added that the orders do not permit the company to market the products with any other modified risk claim that could mislead consumers into believing the products are endorsed or approved by FDA, or that FDA considers them safe. FDA said there is no safe tobacco product and that people who do not use tobacco products should not start.


The company must continue postmarket studies


FDA said the authorization also requires Philip Morris Products S.A. to conduct postmarket surveillance and studies, including assessments of users’ behaviors and their understanding of the modified risk claims.


The products were previously authorized through PMTA and MRTP pathways


FDA said the IQOS 2.4 System Holder and Charger, along with the HeatSticks products, were originally authorized for marketing in the United States through the premarket tobacco product application pathway in 2019, and then authorized as modified risk tobacco products in July 2020. 

 

The IQOS 3.0 System Holder and Charger was authorized for marketing later in 2020 and then authorized as an MRTP in 2022. FDA noted that those earlier modified risk orders were valid for the fixed period specified in the orders.


FDA previously convened TPSAC to discuss the renewal applications


FDA also said that before making a final determination on an MRTP application, it considers all relevant information available to the agency, including public comments and recommendations from the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. On October 7, 2025, FDA held a TPSAC meeting to discuss these renewal applications.

 

Image source: FDA

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

Geneva Court Annuls Ban on Disposable E-Cigarette Sales, Says Power Lies With Federal Authorities
Geneva Court Annuls Ban on Disposable E-Cigarette Sales, Says Power Lies With Federal Authorities
The Geneva Court of Justice on Tuesday upheld appeals filed by four associations and companies active in the tobacco trade and annulled the Geneva legal provision banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, commonly known as “puffs.”
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on May 13 criticized the Trump Administration’s Food and Drug Administration for approving the sale and marketing of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for the first time, while also allowing some illegal vaping products to remain on the market. He also linked the regulatory shift to the departure of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, saying White House pressure on regulators to approve tobacco product applications could create serious public-health consequences.
Regulations
May.15
EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
The European Commission has opened an online call for evidence on revising EU tobacco products and advertising rules, marking a new phase in the TPD/TAD review. Policy options may cover novel products, flavours, packaging, digital marketing and advertising. A 2Firsts review of 855 early submissions shows rapid engagement and recurring debate over differentiated regulation, harm reduction, youth protection, illicit trade and economic impact.
Special Report
May.21
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands Explains What the UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 Means for Retailers
Imperial Brands has outlined what the newly approved UK Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 means for retailers. The legislation received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, and gives the Government powers to extend tobacco-style regulation to a wider range of products, including vaping products, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches and cigarette papers. Imperial Brands emphasized that most measures will be introduced in phases rather than taking effect immediately.
May.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
RJR Vapor Loses Tax Refund Case as Texas High Court Finds VELO Pouches Taxable
RJR Vapor Loses Tax Refund Case as Texas High Court Finds VELO Pouches Taxable
The Texas Supreme Court issued a case summary on May 8, 2026, describing its decision in Hancock v. RJR Vapor Co. LLC. The dispute centered on whether RJR Vapor’s VELO oral nicotine pouches are taxable as “tobacco products” under the Texas Tax Code. Lower courts had held that the pouches were not taxable tobacco products, but the Texas Supreme Court reversed, concluding that VELO pouches are taxable because they are made of “a tobacco substitute.”
May.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | KT&G Expands lil AIBLE 3.0 Sales to Seoul Convenience Stores, Launches Two New AIIM Variants
Product | KT&G Expands lil AIBLE 3.0 Sales to Seoul Convenience Stores, Launches Two New AIIM Variants
According to South Korean media reports, KT&G has expanded sales of its heated tobacco device lil AIBLE 3.0 to convenience stores across Seoul starting May 13. The convenience-store version is offered in the exclusive OUD GRAY color. On the same day, KT&G also launched two new dedicated consumables for the lil AIBLE platform—AIIM REMIX and AIIM ICESPOT—at convenience stores nationwide, each priced at KRW 4,800.
Market
Jun.01