Guide
IQOS and TEREA in Switzerland: Heat-not-burn explained
Stephan Müller · iVape editorial team, Swiss law & market focus
October 9, 2026 · 7 min read
IQOS is a tobacco heater from Philip Morris; the tobacco sticks for it are called TEREA. The device heats the tobacco rather than burning it. This principle is known as ‘Heat not Burn’. At iVape, you can get the latest IQOS ILUMA devices and TEREA sticks from our Swiss warehouse.
What is ‘Heat not Burn’?
With a cigarette, the tobacco burns. With ‘Heat not Burn’, it is simply heated. You insert a tobacco stick into the device, it heats up, and you take a puff just as you would with a cigarette.
There’s no lighter and no embers. No ash is produced. What you inhale is an aerosol of heated tobacco. It contains nicotine, as the stick contains real tobacco.
A vape works differently. It vapourises a tobacco-free e-liquid. You can find a direct comparison in the guide Tobacco Heater vs. Vape.
IQOS ILUMA: how induction works
The ILUMA range is the latest generation of IQOS. It no longer heats using a blade, but via induction. Inside the TEREA stick is a small metal element. The device heats this element using a magnetic field, and the element heats the tobacco from within.
This has two implications for you:
- There is no blade that you need to clean.
- TEREA Sticks only fit in ILUMA devices, not in older IQOS models.
Which ILUMA devices are available at iVape?
At iVape, you’ll find two models from the latest ILUMA generation, both in Breeze Blue and Midnight Black.
| IQOS ILUMA i | IQOS ILUMA i ONE | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Holder plus charging case | all-in-one device |
| Display | Touchscreen showing heating status and remaining usage | no touchscreen |
| Pause function | yes, up to 8 minutes | no |
| FlexPuff | yes | yes |
| Special feature | FlexBattery for longer battery life | Auto-start, up to 20 uses per charge |
| Who’s it for? | those who want convenience and a display | those who want a compact device for on the go |
The touchscreen and pause function are exclusive to the ILUMA i. We explain in detail which model suits you best in the guide IQOS ILUMA i or i ONE.
TEREA Sticks: Flavours and packs
TEREA is available in a wide range of flavours. These range from classic, roasted tobacco and nutty notes to menthol and varieties with click capsules. At iVape, you can buy TEREA in a pack containing 10 boxes of 20 sticks each.
The range includes, amongst others, Amber, Yellow, Sienna, Bronze, Blue, Turquoise, as well as the Pearl and Wave varieties. The TEREA Varieties overview shows what each variety tastes like and how intense it is.
REJO and TOZE: the alternative
Not every tobacco heater comes from IQOS. The REJO HS40 uses a heating element inside the device. According to the manufacturer, it has a 3,350 mAh battery and can handle up to 40 sticks per charge.
The TOZE sticks are compatible with this device. They are made from herbs and contain no tobacco. However, they do contain nicotine, 2 per cent, to be precise. TOZE is available, for example, in blue with mint or green.
TEREA and TOZE are not interchangeable. TEREA is designed for the ILUMA device, whilst TOZE is for the REJO.
What you need to bear in mind when buying in Switzerland
Tobacco heaters and sticks are subject to the Tobacco Products Act in Switzerland. They are only sold to adults aged 18 and over. At iVape, you must provide your date of birth when placing an order. You can read more about the legal situation in the guide Vaping Laws in Switzerland.
Heat-not-burn products are not harmless. TEREA contains tobacco and nicotine, whilst TOZE contains nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive. If you don’t smoke, you shouldn’t start using a tobacco heater either.
You can find all devices and sticks in the Tobacco Heaters category. Delivery within Switzerland, from our Swiss warehouse.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between IQOS and TEREA?
- IQOS is the heating device; TEREA are the tobacco sticks designed for it. The current IQOS ILUMA devices only work with TEREA sticks, as these contain a metal element that is heated by induction.
- Do TEREA Sticks fit in older IQOS devices?
- No. Older IQOS models heat the tobacco using a blade. TEREA Sticks are designed for use with the ILUMA range’s induction heating system and must not be inserted into devices with a blade.
- Do TEREA Sticks contain nicotine?
- Yes. TEREA Sticks contain real tobacco and therefore nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive. Tobacco heaters and sticks are sold only to adults aged 18 and over.
- What does ‘Heat not Burn’ mean?
- ‘Heat not Burn’ means heating rather than burning. A tobacco heater heats the tobacco in the stick without setting it alight. This produces no ash and no smoke in the traditional sense, but rather a tobacco-containing aerosol.
- Is there an alternative to IQOS?
- Yes, for example the REJO HS40. It uses a heating element inside the device rather than induction, and uses its own sticks, such as TOZE. TOZE sticks are made from herbs and contain no tobacco, but do contain 2 per cent nicotine.
