Tightening controls: Track & trace extends to all tobacco products
26 May 2024 17:34
Changes have been introduced in the registration of products containing tobacco. Until now, the Track&Trace system covered only cigarettes and rolling tobacco. On 20 May, the list was expanded.
Until now, the European Tobacco Products Traceability System (Track&Trace) focused solely on cigarettes and tobacco for self-made cigarettes. From 20 May 2024, this system will also include all other products containing tobacco.
The statement says that, considering that these products do not have affixed excise stamps, which are the primary security measure, appropriate security measures must be introduced for them.
Important change in tobacco trade
On 20 May 2024, the Track&Trace system was extended to other tobacco products not subject to excise tax, such as chewing tobacco or snuff. It must be secured under Article 3 of the EC Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/576.
This expansion includes, among others, chewing tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, snuff, and shisha tobacco. The aim of these changes is to more effectively prevent the illegal trade of tobacco products, protect public health, and secure budgetary revenues.
Points of sale offering tobacco products must also be registered in the system. This is the only obligation imposed on retailers in the context of the Track&Trace system, and failure to comply may prevent the purchase of tobacco products from suppliers.
Excise stamps are the most important security measure in the Track&Trace system, applied to individual packs of cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco. The exception is duty-free products available in duty-free zones for travelers going to non-EU countries.
