HEETS Duty Free: Tobacco Sticks, Flavours & Wholesale Guide
- Oliver Blackwood
- Jul 8, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: 22 hours ago
HEETS are heated tobacco sticks made from real tobacco and designed for use with compatible IQOS devices.
Unlike conventional cigarettes, HEETS are heated rather than burned. Official IQOS information describes HEETS as tobacco sticks specifically designed for IQOS devices, with the tobacco heated inside the stick rather than burned.
For international distributors, wholesalers and Duty Free operators, HEETS remain a relevant product category, particularly for markets where earlier-generation IQOS devices are still in use.
This guide explains what HEETS are, how they differ from TEREA, the main flavour categories and the key points to consider when sourcing HEETS for B2B distribution.
What Are HEETS?
HEETS are tobacco sticks containing real tobacco and designed specifically for compatible IQOS devices.
The stick contains specially prepared tobacco together with other components designed to control airflow and aerosol delivery during heating. IQOS describes HEETS as a tobacco product intended to be heated by the IQOS device rather than lit like a conventional cigarette.
A standard HEETS pack contains 20 tobacco sticks.
HEETS are not cigarettes and should not be lit with a lighter or match.
Which IQOS Devices Use HEETS?
HEETS were developed for earlier IQOS devices that use a heating blade.
This includes devices from the IQOS Originals / earlier IQOS generations.
HEETS should not be confused with TEREA, which was developed for the newer IQOS ILUMA induction-heating platform.
The distinction is important:
Product | Device platform |
HEETS | Earlier blade-based IQOS devices |
TEREA | IQOS ILUMA |
DELIA | IQOS ILUMA |
LEVIA | IQOS ILUMA |
Official IQOS information states that HEETS are designed for compatible IQOS devices, while TEREA is used with IQOS ILUMA.
HEETS vs TEREA
HEETS and TEREA are both heated tobacco products, but they belong to different IQOS device generations.
HEETS
HEETS use the earlier IQOS heating system with a ceramic heating blade inserted into the tobacco stick.
TEREA
TEREA uses the SMARTCORE induction-heating system developed for IQOS ILUMA.
This means that HEETS and TEREA should not be treated as interchangeable products.
For wholesale buyers, the intended device platform should be confirmed before selecting the product.
HEETS Flavour Range
HEETS have been offered in a broad selection of tobacco, menthol and aromatic profiles across different markets.
The exact flavour portfolio is market-dependent and changes over time, so a universal international list of HEETS variants should be avoided.
Official IQOS market information provides examples including:
Amber — balanced and roasted tobacco profile;
Bronze — richer and warmer tobacco profile;
Sienna — balanced and fuller tobacco profile;
Teak — rounded tobacco profile;
Silver — refined and toasted tobacco profile;
Yellow — lighter tobacco profile;
Green — menthol and tobacco profile;
Blue — deeper menthol and tobacco profile.
Other HEETS variants can exist in specific markets.
For this reason, international buyers should request the current flavour list for the available Duty Free stock rather than relying on a global catalogue.
Tobacco HEETS Variants
Traditional HEETS variants are primarily built around different tobacco profiles.
Examples include Amber, Bronze, Sienna, Teak and Silver.
The differences between these products relate to the blend, aroma and overall taste profile.
For B2B purchasing, the exact product reference should be specified because colour names and product names can vary between markets.
Menthol and Flavoured HEETS
Some HEETS variants combine tobacco with cooling or aromatic profiles.
Examples can include Green, Blue and other market-specific menthol or flavour products.
The availability of these variants is particularly market-dependent.
A product that is available in one country may not be part of the current assortment in another.
HEETS Duty Free Availability
Duty Free HEETS can have packaging and product specifications intended for international or travel-retail distribution.
Depending on the product and destination, buyers should verify:
exact HEETS variant;
market version;
country of manufacture;
packaging language;
health-warning format;
pack configuration;
carton configuration;
applicable Duty Free markings.
The term Duty Free should therefore be understood as part of the distribution channel rather than as a universal product specification.
HEETS Packaging for Wholesale
A standard retail HEETS pack contains:
20 tobacco sticks per pack.
For larger commercial shipments, the current packing configuration should be confirmed for the specific product.
Buyers should verify:
sticks per pack;
packs per carton;
cartons per master case;
total sticks per master case;
pallet configuration;
gross and net weight;
master-case dimensions.
These details are particularly important when calculating freight requirements for larger orders.
HEETS and Market Availability
One important consideration for wholesale buyers is that HEETS availability is changing in some markets.
IQOS has been transitioning consumers toward the newer ILUMA platform and TEREA products. For example, IQOS Switzerland states that HEETS variants have been gradually removed from its assortment since March 2023, depending on remaining stock, and recommends TEREA for IQOS ILUMA.
This does not mean that HEETS have disappeared from every international market.
It means that buyers should confirm current availability and intended device compatibility before placing a large order.
For Duty Free distribution, this makes current stock verification particularly important.
Buying HEETS Wholesale
When sourcing HEETS for international B2B distribution, the exact product and market specification should be established before confirming an order.
Product Variant
Specify the exact HEETS flavour or product reference.
Device Compatibility
Confirm that the product is intended for the IQOS device platform used by the destination market.
Market Version
Specify the intended Duty Free or export market.
Packaging
Confirm:
sticks per pack;
packs per carton;
cartons per master case;
pallet configuration.
Production Date
For larger orders, production date and stock rotation can be relevant purchasing considerations.
Country of Manufacture
The manufacturing country should be verified from the actual packaging or current product documentation.
Documentation
Depending on the destination, international shipments may require commercial invoices, packing lists, export documentation and other destination-specific documents.
HEETS Wholesale Supply from Zotty
Zotty works with professional B2B buyers sourcing tobacco and heated tobacco products for international distribution.
Depending on current availability, buyers can request information about:
HEETS variants;
Duty Free stock;
available quantities;
market specifications;
packaging configuration;
production dates;
master-case quantities;
pallet configuration;
international delivery options.
Because HEETS availability is market-dependent, the exact product version should be confirmed before an order is finalized.
International HEETS Delivery
The appropriate delivery method depends on the destination, shipment volume and required delivery timeframe.
Road Freight
Suitable for many European and neighbouring destinations where direct land transportation is practical.
Air Freight
Can be considered for smaller or time-sensitive shipments.
Sea Freight
Can be suitable for larger international orders where longer transit times are acceptable.
The final transport solution should be selected according to destination, shipment size and applicable import requirements.
What Should Buyers Confirm Before Ordering HEETS?
Before requesting a wholesale quotation, provide:
Exact HEETS variant
Destination country
Required quantity
Duty Free / export market
Compatible IQOS device platform
Pack and master-case configuration
Production-date requirements
Country of manufacture
Preferred delivery method
Destination documentation requirements
Providing these details helps match the available HEETS stock with the buyer's actual requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are HEETS?
HEETS are heated tobacco sticks containing real tobacco and designed for compatible IQOS devices. They are heated rather than burned.
How many HEETS are in a pack?
A standard HEETS pack contains 20 tobacco sticks.
Are HEETS compatible with IQOS ILUMA?
No. HEETS were designed for earlier blade-based IQOS devices. IQOS ILUMA uses TEREA and other ILUMA-compatible stick ranges instead.
What is the difference between HEETS and TEREA?
HEETS are designed for earlier blade-based IQOS devices, while TEREA is designed specifically for IQOS ILUMA's induction-heating system.
What HEETS flavours are available?
The range varies by market. Examples include Amber, Bronze, Sienna, Teak, Silver, Yellow, Green and Blue, but the current assortment should be confirmed for the specific market and stock.
Are HEETS still available?
HEETS availability varies by market. Some IQOS markets have reduced or discontinued certain HEETS variants as the company transitions toward the ILUMA platform and TEREA.
Can I buy HEETS in bulk?
Professional B2B buyers can enquire about current HEETS availability, quantities, product specifications, packaging and international delivery options.
How can I check current HEETS Duty Free availability?
Send Zotty the required HEETS variant, destination country and approximate quantity. Current stock, product specification, packaging and delivery options can then be confirmed.
Request HEETS Wholesale Availability
Looking for HEETS Duty Free for professional distribution?
Contact Zotty to check current availability, product specifications, wholesale quantities and international delivery options.
Wholesale only.
