Philip Morris to take back menthol cigarettes from retailers

Philip Morris has announced a Buy-Back system to support retailers after the menthol cigarette ban which will come into force on 20 May.

Retailers will be able to return unsold Philip Morris menthol cigarette packs which have had all UK duty paid, and are in plain packaging. The packs eligible include Marlboro Green, Marlboro Ice Blast and Chesterfield Green.

The scheme will be open to all retailers including those not already part of Philip Morris’ retailer programme, Heetwave. The retailers can register their interest and submit the quantity of menthol cigarettes they possess between 20 May and 1 July, and return the unsold packs by 1 September.

Non-Heetwave retailers will need to register via the retailer hub at www.menthol-ban-retail.co.uk. They can also sign up to become IQOS Menthol Kit stockists at the website.

Philip Morris reveals RRP of its menthol ban-busting IQOS Kit

Philip Morris has made IQOS Menthol Kits available to stock ahead of the ban. The product uses HNB technology which is designed to be closer to the traditional smoking experience than vaping.

Kate O’Dowd, head of field force in the UK & Ireland at PML, said: “Philip Morris’ Buy-Back system will support retailers following the implementation of the menthol cigarette ban, while our IQOS Menthol Kits will open up new profit streams and help businesses retain those menthol customers who do not or cannot quit nicotine and tobacco use completely.”