ACS is encouraging all convenience store retailers that sell tobacco to apply for the codes they need to comply with track and trace regulations.

The regulations require retailers to have an Economic Operator Identifier Code (registered to their business) and a Facility Identifier Code (for each of their stores) in order to purchase compliant cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco products from 20th May 2019.

Retailers can apply for their Economic Operator Identifier Code here: https://eutpd.uk.delarue.com. The application for EOIC and FIC(s) is a two-step process. First, retailers will need to create an account to apply for their Economic Operator Identifier Code. Once this code has been received by email (which may take up to two working days) retailers can then apply for their Facility Identifier Code(s) by logging into the web portal. To log in, retailers will need to return to the De La Rue website and click ‘forgot your password’. This will set their password for the first time. Retailers will then need to use their email address and password to log into the portal.

Retailers with a large number of sites should also apply to the government appointed ID issuer, De La Rue, as soon as possible. To apply for their Facility Identifier Codes, retailers with multiple sites can request a bulk upload form by emailing [email protected].

ACS’ guidance on track and trace, which includes information about the application process, is available to download here: http://bit.ly/trackandtraceguide

Retailers should email [email protected] if they experience any technical issues when applying for their codes.

Frequently asked questions about the Track and Trace process are below. 

Retailer Obligations FAQs

What do retailers need to do?

• From 20th May, retailers must have an Economic Operator Identifier Code (registered to their business) and a Facility Identifier Code (for each store or premises which stores tobacco) to purchase cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco products with unique identifier codes.
• To obtain an Economic Operator Identifier Code and Facility Identifier Codes, retailers must apply to a government appointed ID issuer as soon as possible. 
• Retailers will have no obligation to scan or track tobacco products that they receive in-store. The supplier only has the requirement to scan cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco out of depot.

Do I need to have more than one code?

• Yes. Retailers must have an Economic Operator Identifier Code to register their business AND a Facility Identifier Code to register each of their stores or premises which stores tobacco. 
• If you have multiple stores you should make sure that each store has its own Facility Identifier Code. If you have multiple stores and only have one Facility Identifier Code, you are in breach of the regulations. 

Can wholesalers apply for identifier codes on behalf of retailers?

• Third parties, including wholesalers, can apply for the Economic Operator Identifier Code and Facility Identifier Code(s) on behalf of independent retailers. However, it is up to each wholesaler to determine whether they will offer this service to their customers and it is still the retailer’s responsibility to ensure that they have their identifier codes. Regardless of who applies for the code, retailers can trade with any wholesaler to purchase tobacco.

Application Process FAQs

How can I apply for my codes?

• To obtain the codes, retailers must apply to the government appointed ID issuer, De La Rue, before 20th May 2019.
• Retailers can apply for their identifier codes on De La Rue’s (government appointed ID issuer) website: https://eutpd.uk.delarue.com

How do I log in to apply for my Facility Identifier Code(s)?

• Once you have received your Economic Operator Identifier Code email. You need to apply for your Facility Identifier Codes. You can do this by logging into the De La Rue web portal.
• To log in, return to the De La Rue website (https://eutpd.uk.delarue.com) and click forgot your password. This will set your password for the first time. Once you have reset your password you can login to the web portal. Please note: the user identifier field on the login form is for your email address.

How much will it cost to apply for an Economic Operator Identifier Code and Facility Identifier Codes?

• There are no fees to obtain an Economic Operator Identifier Code or Facility Identifier Code(s).

For retailers who have had wholesalers apply for their codes for them, but have not yet received their codes:

• Look out for an email which is from [email protected] - could be in the junk mail folder 
• It may be the case that the application hasn’t gone through yet. You will be able to find out by trying to create an account. If this is results in a form error it means you have been registered. If you manage to create an account then you should apply for your facility identifier code as normal.
• If you receive a form error this means you've been registered but haven’t got an email.  You can always try to log into the web portal to check your codes. 
• If you have any issues - email [email protected] and ask about the status of your codes. It helps to provide your VAT number to speed up the process.