WORLD
The International Tax Stamp Association (ITSA) backed calls to implement latest technologies that underpin tax stamps and track and trace systems designed to combat illicit tobacco trade.
A recent World Bank report outlined a number of key measures that could reduce illicit activity in the trade of tobacco products, including effective systems that can track the secure movement of cigarettes and other items through the supply chain from production or import to point-of-sale.
The report acknowledges a pioneer track and trace system already in operation in Brazil, highlights the strong performance of the current system in Ecuador and welcomes its expected implementation in Chile. It also hails the success of a “robust” excise stamp program in Ireland, notes the high rates of stamp usage in the Philippines, and acknowledges how a track and trace system in Kenya is contributing to industry best practice.
ITSA welcomed the World Bank’s recommendation for greater investment in security solutions, which could ultimately drive down fraud and help governments around the world to collect additional excise revenues and control tobacco consumption.
Christine Macqueen of ITSA said, “As the case studies in the report show, countries should be encouraged to use the latest technology when putting in place high-security excise tax stamps, be they labels or secured digital marks, which form the basis of robust systems to identify and track products as they move through the supply chain. This is in line with the provisions outlined in the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Protocol.”