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.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

From a 2017 Launch to 48% of South Korea’s Heated Tobacco Market, KT&G Looks Back on a Decade of lil
From a 2017 Launch to 48% of South Korea’s Heated Tobacco Market, KT&G Looks Back on a Decade of lil
KT&G announced on Aug. 13, 2026, that it has opened “lil Archive,” a brand exhibition space in Seoul showcasing the evolution, technology platforms and future direction of its heated tobacco brand lil since its launch in 2017. KT&G said lil now spans three major platforms — lil SOLID, lil HYBRID and lil AIBLE — with more than 30 dedicated consumables, and held a 48% share of South Korea's heated tobacco market in the second quarter of 2026. The opening comes as lil enters its 10th year, with KT&G continuing to position the brand for expansion beyond its domestic market.
Aug.14
Product | OXVA Launches ONEO Pro in France, Upgrading Its Open-Pod Platform
Product | OXVA Launches ONEO Pro in France, Upgrading Its Open-Pod Platform
Vape brand OXVA has introduced the ONEO Pro, a refillable open-pod system that entered the French market in July 2026. The device features a 2,100mAh battery, up to 40W output, a 4ml refillable cartridge, multiple coil options and a 0.96-inch color TFT display. The launch reflects continued performance upgrades within the refillable open-pod segment, with brands adding higher capacity, adjustable output and smarter device interaction.
Aug.03
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa Enforces Vape Registry Law as Retailers Warn Product Limits Could Increase Store Pressure
Iowa has begun enforcing its vape registry law, requiring vape products to be registered before they can be legally sold in the state. The move follows a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to lift an injunction that had blocked enforcement. Retailers have warned that tighter product availability rules could increase pressure on vape shops. One Iowa retailer said that if only a limited number of products remain available, many stores could face significant business challenges.
Aug.06
2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts Hosts U.S. Market Mid-Year Briefing: Companies Need to Reassess Product and Market-Access Strategies
2Firsts held its 2026 U.S. Market Compliance and Development Mid-Year Briefing in Shenzhen, China, on July 28. The discussion examined how state-level requirements, proposed foreign-establishment registration rules and expanding supply-chain responsibilities are changing product and investment decisions in the U.S. tobacco and nicotine market.
Jul.29
Indiana’s Foreign-Made Vape Ban Takes Effect, Forcing Brands and Retailers to Adjust Supply Chains
Indiana’s Foreign-Made Vape Ban Takes Effect, Forcing Brands and Retailers to Adjust Supply Chains
A new Indiana law restricting the sale of foreign-made vape products has taken effect, requiring retailers to adjust inventory and sourcing practices. According to The Sun, WDRB and other reports, some local vape shops are reviewing product origins and supplier information to comply with the new requirements. The measure represents a broader shift in U.S. vape regulation, with oversight expanding beyond product authorization and sales rules toward manufacturing origin and supply-chain management.
Jul.24
EU Tobacco Rules Face Pushback as Analysis Says 90% of Consultation Responses Raised Objections
EU Tobacco Rules Face Pushback as Analysis Says 90% of Consultation Responses Raised Objections
An analysis by We Are Innovation says more than 90% of over 82,000 responses to the European Commission’s public consultation on the Tobacco Products Directive revision raised at least one substantial objection to the proposed regulatory direction.
Jul.13