In today's rapidly evolving landscape, practitioners in the vaping industry must master terminology related to new tobacco products. This knowledge not only deepens their understanding of the sector but also enhances their ability to engage in international exchanges and collaborations. This article focuses on parsing a series of exclusive English terms in the vaping industry, empowering practitioners to better comprehend and apply them.
I. Overview of New Tobacco Products
New tobacco products (e-cigarettes) differ from traditional tobacco products. They contain tobacco or generate aerosols/flavors that provide pleasure to users but are not classified as traditional tobacco. Major types include e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn (HNB) tobacco products, and smokeless tobacco (e.g., snuff and snus, the latter primarily popular abroad).
II. Key English Terms in the Vaping Industry
(I) Product Types and Technical Terms
NTP (New Tobacco Products)/NGP (New Generation Products): Also known as RRP (Reduced-Risk Products) internationally, these refer to new tobacco products with lower health risks. They primarily include three categories: e-liquid vaping devices, HNB tobacco products, and smokeless tobacco (e.g., snuff and snus). Among these, e-liquid vapes and HNB products generate aerosols during use and are classified as "aerosolized products"; smokeless tobacco includes chewable tobacco and snuff (dry or moist, with moist snuff also called "snus," prevalent overseas).
HNB (Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Products): Tobacco products heated (not burned) via various methods, including electric, carbon, chemical reaction, or other heat sources. Electric HNB devices require inserting a tobacco-containing pod into a heater, while carbon-heated products use a small carbon rod ignited in the cigarette tip to transfer heat without needing a separate battery-powered device.
EHTP (Electrically Heated Tobacco Products): A subset of electrically heated products, encompassing both e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn cigarettes.
ECS (Electronic Cigarettes): As defined officially in China, ECS are nicotine electronic delivery systems that generate aerosols containing nicotine for inhalation.
ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems): The World Health Organization's (WHO) term for e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products, emphasizing their nicotine delivery function.
NSCs (Nature Smoke Cigarettes): A new category of tobacco products developed through collaborative research by the Zhengzhou Tobacco Research Institute of China National Tobacco Corporation and Yunnan Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd. NSCs use oxygen-free heating technology to generate natural smoke from heated tobacco, with airflow extracting the aerosol.
IQOS: A heat-not-burn product by Philip Morris International (PMI), short for "I Quit Original Smoking," symbolizing its mission to help users transition away from traditional cigarettes. IQOS is an iconic product in the HNB space.
VAPE: Derived from "vapor" or "vaporize," VAPE is the international term for e-cigarettes, distinguishing them from traditional cigarettes. Related terms include vaping (the act of using a vape), vaper (users of vapes, from novices to enthusiasts), and vapeshop (retail stores for vaping products).
MOD (or "BOX Mod"): A customizable, box-shaped device allowing users to adjust settings (e.g., wattage) for personalized vaping experiences. MODs are popular among advanced users who prefer direct-to-lung (DTL) or mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhales. Typically larger, bulkier, and battery-heavy, they often feature detachable tanks or rebuildable atomizers.
POD: Short for "pod" (or "detachable cartridge"), referring to compact, portable devices like JUUL-pioneered by Juul Labs. PODs are discreet, easy to carry (e.g., pocket-friendly), and often use button-activated airflow (vs. MODs' button-based activation). They include closed-system (pre-filled, non-refillable) and open-system (user-refillable) models.
Kit: A complete set of vaping essentials, typically including a device (MOD/POD), tank/atomizer, batteries, and accessories. Kits simplify onboarding for beginners or users seeking convenience.
E-liquid (Electronic Liquid): Also called vaping juice, this is the solution vaporized by e-cigarettes. Flavors span fruits, health supplements, tobacco, beverages, dairy, food, and herbs. Imports primarily come from the U.S., Canada, Philippines, Malaysia, France, the U.K., Germany, etc., while domestic production is concentrated in Shenzhen, China.
Nicotine: A naturally occurring alkaloid in tobacco, responsible for addiction. Excessive intake can cause rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nausea, or even death. Most e-liquids contain nicotine, though nicotine-free options exist (mainly for cloud-chasing devices).
Nicotine Salts: Crystals formed by reacting freebase nicotine with organic salts. Typically mixed with propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG) at concentrations of 3–50mg/ml. Compared to freebase nicotine, salts are smoother on the throat, enabling higher nicotine absorption without harshness-ideal for MTL devices and smoking cessation. Nicotine salts are faster-absorbing, faster-excreting, and less harmful than freebase nicotine (comparable to caffeine in moderation; overdose risks exist).
CBD (Cannabidiol): A non-intoxicating cannabinoid from hemp, with potential anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, analgesic, and anti-epileptic properties. CBD can be extracted for food, pharmaceuticals, or e-liquids. However, in mainland China, private production/import of CBD products (including e-liquids) is prohibited; only state-approved manufacturers may produce CBD-related goods.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The psychoactive component of cannabis, responsible for "high" effects. Found in marijuana, hashish, and hash oil, THC causes hallucinations, anxiety, mood swings, paranoia, unconsciousness, and long-term mental health issues. In China, THC-containing e-liquids are strictly banned (except for CBD co-use in devices).
Synthetic Cannabinoids (e.g., AMB-FUBINACA/MDMB-CHMICA): Lab-created cannabinoids far more potent than natural THC. Even small doses (e.g., 1 gram ≈ 5.5 grams of heroin) can cause severe "overdose" (toxicity), leading to unconsciousness or death.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin): A common food and pharmaceutical additive (e.g., in baked goods). VG is odorless, slightly sweet, and viscous-increasing cleaning difficulty and slowing wick saturation. High-purity (99.7% VG + 0.3% water) USP-grade VG is derived from coconut/palm oils via distillation.
PG (Propylene Glycol): A food/pharmaceutical additive (FDA-approved for ingestion) used to thin VG. PG enhances wick saturation, produces mild "throat hit," and generates minimal vapor. Some users may experience minor allergic reactions (e.g., sore throat, phlegm, dizziness), though symptoms are transient.
TFN (Tobacco-Free Nicotine): A lab-synthesized nicotine patented by NextGenerationLabs, not regulated under FDA tobacco guidelines.
Disposable Vapes: Single-use devices with pre-filled e-liquid and integrated batteries; the entire unit is discarded after use.
Tank/Cartridge: Containers for storing e-liquid (e.g., "2 TANK" or "TANK×2" denotes two tanks).
Juul: A popular vape brand known for its compact design and flavored pods (not a generic term).
Flavor: E-liquid taste profiles, including tobacco, mint, fruit, dessert, and dairy.
MESH Coil: A mesh (e.g., stainless steel) heating element with a larger surface area for even vaporization.
(II) Device and Operation Terms
Vaping Modes:
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung): Inhale vapor into the mouth first, then into the lungs-mimicking traditional smoking. Ideal for MTL devices and smoking cessation.
RDL/RDTL (Restricted Direct Lung): A hybrid mode between MTL and DTL, with looser airflow than MTL but tighter than DTL.
DL/DTL (Direct-to-Lung): Inhale vapor directly into the lungs, producing large clouds and strong throat hit. Best for experienced users with high-wattage, low-resistance devices.
MTN (Mouth-to-Nose): Exhale through the nose after mouth inhalation, allowing nicotine absorption via both mouth and nasal passages.
TC (Temperature Control): A vaping mode (beyond wattage) that adjusts coil temperature to control vapor production, flavor, and nicotine delivery-enhancing comfort and precision.
RBA (Rebuildable Atomizer): A DIY vaping device with user-installable coils/wicks. Once common, "RBA" now broadly refers to rebuildable atomizers (e.g., RDA, RTA, RDTA).
RTA (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer): A DIY atomizer with a reservoir for e-liquid and a rebuildable deck. Combines customization with convenience-suitable for cloud chasers and extended use.
RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer): A DIY atomizer without a reservoir; users manually drip e-liquid onto the coil for intense flavor. Requires frequent refilling but offers superior taste-popular among flavor-focused enthusiasts.
RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer): A hybrid of RDA and RTA, featuring a reservoir and a drippable deck-balancing flavor customization and convenience.
Top Feed: Refilling e-liquid via the tank's top (e.g., removing the drip tip). Quick, leak-resistant, and ideal for on-the-go use.
Bottom Feed: Automated e-liquid delivery via an internal reservoir and vacuum pressure. Reduces manual refills but requires precise sealing and pressure control.
III. Conclusion
As innovative products in the tobacco industry, vapes meet consumer demands for harm reduction and diversity. For practitioners, mastering these specialized English terms is critical. It not only facilitates precise communication within the industry but also strengthens global market competitiveness, enabling professionals to showcase their products and technologies effectively. By understanding these terms, stakeholders can drive the healthy development of new tobacco products worldwide.
