Philip Morris International (PMI) has developed a zero-tobacco stick for use with its “heat-not-burn” device IQOS, which could avoid regulations and taxes in some markets, reports Reuters.

The new range of tobacco-free sticks is called LEVIA and each stick contains a “non-tobacco substrate” infused with nicotine and comes in flavours such as tobacco, menthol with blueberry and peppermint.
Chief Executive Officer Jacek Olczak said that the products could avoid taxes and certain controls imposed on other products, saying LEVIA “may not be subject to flavour regulations in some jurisdictions” and “doesn’t fit” in existing fiscal categories.
PMI is an advocate for lower taxes for products that fall under the “reduced risk” category compared to traditional cigarettes and the US Food and Drug Administration has authorised PMI to market IQOS as offering reduced exposure to harmful chemicals versus smoking, reports Reuters.
A PMI spokesman gave no further information on when or where LEVIA would first be introduced or any details on exactly what substance is used instead of tobacco.