UK Launches New Tobacco Product Tracking System

Jul.08.2022
UK Launches New Tobacco Product Tracking System
The UK implements a new tobacco tracking system to combat illegal trade and increase tax revenue.

The UK has implemented a new tobacco product tracking system established and operated by Dentsu Tracking. Launched on July 1, the system provides traceability across the entire tobacco supply chain for the UK government. This system is part of the UK's anti-illicit trade strategy, supporting HM Revenue and Customs in cracking down on illegal trade.


Philippe Castella, Managing Director of Dentsu Tracking, has released a statement expressing the company's pride in working with the UK's HM Revenue and Customs to combat the illegal tobacco trade. Castella highlighted that Dentsu's digital system was specifically tailored to meet the policy goals of HM Revenue and Customs, with the aim of addressing the unique characteristics of the UK market. He added that the system ensured the highest level of visibility for HM Revenue and Customs, allowing the government to effectively monitor the entire tobacco supply chain in the UK.


A new tracking system utilizing digital technology has been implemented to monitor the flow of legal tobacco products and enable British authorities to detect and combat various forms of illegal trade. This will curb the distribution of non-tax compliant and non-compliant products in terms of content, packaging and other regulations, while increasing national tax revenue and protecting citizens and legitimate businesses.


The new system was designed in accordance with all applicable UK and international laws, including full compliance with the FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products which requires signatory parties to ensure tracking and tracing of tobacco products along the manufacturing and key distribution points.


Dentsu's system is able to convert collected supply chain data into useful information through complex data analysis, aiding UK authorities in identifying potential fraudulent activity. According to Dentsu, the new system provides real-time detailed analysis, statistical data, and alerts for the UK's tax and customs agency, with some stakeholders describing it as a "ground-breaking" development.


Government Business Director Jan Hoffman stated, "At Dentsu Tracking, we firmly believe in the added value of data tracking, which is as powerful as the supply chain insight provided to government institutions by this system." "Therefore, simply collecting data is not enough. We generate strong business intelligence to assist UK authorities in targeted control and real-time investigations.


All aspects of the tobacco industry including manufacturing, importing, exporting, storing, distributing, and selling, as well as any tobacco products entering or passing through the UK, now require the use of a new tracking system. Since May 2019, tracking requirements have been in place for cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco, and from May 20, 2024, all other tobacco products must also comply with these regulations.


In November 2021, Dentsu Tracking was appointed as the supplier to establish and operate a new tobacco tracking system in the UK through a public procurement process. Dentsu replaced the former supplier, De La Rue.


This article is compiled from third-party information for educational purposes only. The copyright of the compiled information belongs to the original media and author. If there is any infringement, please contact us for deletion.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Bloomberg-Backed Campaign Wins as Denver Votes to Ban Flavored Nicotine
Bloomberg-Backed Campaign Wins as Denver Votes to Ban Flavored Nicotine
Denver voters have upheld the city’s ban on flavored nicotine products—including fruity vapes and menthol cigarettes—with 72% in favor during the Nov. 4 election. The “Yes on 310” campaign, backed by $5 million from Michael Bloomberg, celebrated the result as a major victory for youth health. Opponents, mostly local vape shop owners, warned of economic harm and called the spending imbalance unfair.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Lawmakers Push to Include E-Cigarettes in Vietnam’s Revised Investment Law Ban
Lawmakers Push to Include E-Cigarettes in Vietnam’s Revised Investment Law Ban
Vietnam’s National Assembly has debated amendments to the Investment Law that would include e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the list of prohibited business activities. Lawmakers supported a total ban consistent with WHO recommendations and previous National Assembly resolutions, citing rising youth addiction rates. Finance Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng confirmed that the ban would apply comprehensively, with a short transition period for foreign factories.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
VCU Tests Nearly 1,300 School-Confiscated Vapes, Finding Mislabeling, Mixed Cannabinoids and Contamination
VCU Tests Nearly 1,300 School-Confiscated Vapes, Finding Mislabeling, Mixed Cannabinoids and Contamination
New research from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) found microbial contamination — including coliform, a bacteria indicating fecal exposure — in some vaping devices confiscated from U.S. schools. However, researchers stressed that newly purchased, unopened vapes showed no such contamination. The findings point to risks linked to unregulated products and improper storage conditions, reinforcing the importance of regulated supply chains and product authentication.
News
Dec.01
Singapore Police Dismantle Cross-Border E-Cigarette Smuggling Ring, Arrest 12 and Seize Over 64,000 Devices
Singapore Police Dismantle Cross-Border E-Cigarette Smuggling Ring, Arrest 12 and Seize Over 64,000 Devices
Singapore authorities crack down on cross-border e-cigarette smuggling syndicate, arresting 12 individuals and seizing over $43,000 worth of contraband.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NZ Issues National High Alert on Etomidate-Laced Vapes After Hospitalisations
NZ Issues National High Alert on Etomidate-Laced Vapes After Hospitalisations
New Zealand’s High Alert drug harm monitoring system has issued a public High Alert warning after multiple hospitalisations linked to illicit vape pods containing the anaesthetic etomidate. Known on the street as space oil, k-pods, or eto, these vapes were first detected in January 2025. Customs has since seized additional samples, and clinics nationwide report rising cases of poisoning and hypoglycaemia.
Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Launches New Slay Nicotine Pouch Brand in UK Targeting Female Consumers
Hungary’s Continental Tobacco Group has launched its Slay nicotine pouch brand in the UK, featuring compact, pastel-toned packaging and backed by a multi-million-pound investment and retail pilot programme to build its presence in the local market.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai