How to Spot Illicit TEREA Sticks and ensure a quality product experience

Your IQOS experience is defined by quality, taste, and innovation. This relies on using genuine, quality-assured TEREA tobacco sticks, specifically designed for the UK market.

Unfortunately, illicit tobacco products, including counterfeit TEREA sticks, can sometimes be found. These products may not meet our strict quality and safety standards and could compromise your experience.

This guide will help you identify authentic TEREA sticks and avoid illicit ones.

Why It's Important to Avoid Illicit TEREA Sticks

Choosing authentic TEREA sticks is crucial for several reasons:

· Guaranteed Quality & Taste: Genuine TEREA sticks are manufactured to precise standards, ensuring the consistent performance your device was designed for

· Safety Assurance: Illicit products are produced outside of any regulatory framework.

· Consumer Protection: Purchasing legitimate products supports the legal economy and ensures you are protected as a consumer.

How to Identify Authentic TEREA Sticks in the UK

Always check these key features when you purchase TEREA sticks.

1. Check the Packaging and Health Warnings

Genuine TEREA in the UK feature:

· Prominent Health Warnings: All legitimate packs must feature a UK-specific health warning in English.

· Correct Size: This health warning must cover 30% of the front and 30% of the back of the pack. This is a legal requirement.

· No Plain Packaging: The UK does not require 'plain' or standardised packaging e.g. the brown-coloured packaging known from cigarettes, for heated tobacco. 

Signs common of Illicit TEREA:

· Foreign Language Health Warnings: Any text in a language other than English (e.g., Polish, Arabic, Ukrainian) is a sign the product was not intended for the UK market.

· Incorrect Warning Size: A health warning that is too small, missing, or does not cover the required 30% of the front and back.

· Plain Packaging: If the pack is a uniform colour with all branding removed, it is not a legitimate UK product.

2. Examine the Branding and Flavour Description

Genuine TEREA in the UK features:

· Flavour names are clearly listed in English (e.g., Amber, Sienna, Teak).

· The branding and logos are sharp, clear, and high-quality.

Signs of Illicit TEREA:

· Flavours Not Available in the UK: Be wary of flavours that are not officially sold here. If you haven't seen it on IQOS.com or in official stores, it may be illicit.

· Spelling Mistakes or Poor Print Quality: Low-resolution logos, smudged text, or spelling errors on the packaging are major red flags.

3. Locate and Verify the Unique Codes

This is one of the most important security features.

Genuine TEREA in the UK features:

· DotCode: Every authentic pack has a machine-readable DotCode on the side.

· Unique 12-Digit Code: Each pack also has a unique 12-digit alphanumeric code (a mix of letters and numbers) printed on its base.

· Every Pack is Unique: Crucially, every single pack has a different code. If you buy multiple packs, they should all display a different unique number.

Signs of Illicit TEREA:

· No Code: A complete absence of a DotCode or 12-digit code.

· Identical Codes: If you find multiple packs with the exact same unique code, this is definitive proof they are illicit. Legitimate production lines never duplicate codes.

How to Protect Yourself from Illicit Products

1. Buy from Authorised Sources: Always purchase your TEREA sticks from official IQOS stores, the IQOS website, or reputable retailers you know and trust. You can use our Store Locator tool to find a trusted stockist near you.

2. Examine Before You Buy: Get into the habit of quickly checking the health warnings, packaging, and unique codes.

3. Trust Your Instincts: If the price seems too good to be true, or something feels "off" about the product, it probably is.

4. Report Suspected Illicit Products: If you believe you have encountered illicit TEREA sticks, please report it to us. This helps us protect consumers and combat the illegal trade.