Heated Tobacco Product Testing: A Closer Look at HTP Analysis

In the pursuit of Tobacco Harm Reduction, Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) have emerged as a beacon of hope, offering adult smokers a potentially less harmful alternative. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which involve combustion that produces harmful by-products, HTPs heat a tobacco substrate to generate a nicotine-containing aerosol without reaching the point of combustion. This innovative approach offers a bridge between the familiar ritual of smoking and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals.

Recent strides in HTP analysis, highlighted in the CORESTA Technical report (HTP-259-CTR Standardised Terminology and Recommendation) delineated three primary categories of HTPs, each with distinct heating mechanisms: Electrically Heated Tobacco Products (eHTP), Aerosol Heated Tobacco Products (aHTP), and Carbon Heated Tobacco Products (cHTP). These classifications underscore the diversity of technologies employed in HTPs, catering to varying consumer preferences and regulatory frameworks.

Broughton, recognizing the potential of HTPs in Tobacco Harm Reduction, has been at the forefront of supporting manufacturers in their heat-not-burn strategies throughout the product development and regulatory approval process. Our purpose-built, state-of-the-art testing facility provides comprehensive services to assess the safety and performance of HTPs, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards such as the FDA’s Premarket Tobacco Application (PMTA) and the EU’s Tobacco Product Directive (TPD).

Our dedicated testing facility is equipped with specialized vaping machines, conditioning cabinets, and cutting-edge analytical equipment, enabling precise evaluation of HTPs at every stage of development. Broughton’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the suite of available HTPs aerosol testing methods, meticulously selected to align with industry best practices and international guidelines set forth by organizations such as the FDA, WHO, and MHRA.

For manufacturers seeking comprehensive aerosol testing, our validated methods cover a spectrum of analytes essential for assessing product safety and efficacy. These include but are not limited to:

In conclusion, the landscape of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) testing is intricate, encompassing a diverse array of analytical parameters essential for assessing product safety and efficacy.

As innovative technologies like HTPs pave the way toward a smoke-free future, there is a growing need for robust testing methodologies to ensure consumer protection and regulatory compliance.

To learn more about our nicotine analytical testing services, please click here.

About the Author: Malcolm Saxton, Senior Consultant, Broughton

Malcolm joined Broughton in 2021, having previously managed the characterization of Tobacco Harm Reduction products for the two largest tobacco companies in the world.

Malcolm has a proven track record of developing and delivering analytical methods and characterization packages across a wide range of products and industries, latterly as a key member of a multidisciplinary team ensuring the successful launch of e-vapour and Heated Tobacco Products. As an analytical scientist, Malcolm is passionate about using his experience and knowledge combined with science and data to help deliver regulated Tobacco Harm Reduction products to global markets.