ACS has launched new guidance for retailers to help them comply with upcoming tobacco track and trace regulations.
From today (23rd April), retailers with multiple sites will be able to apply for the codes that they need to be able to purchase compliant tobacco after the regulations come into force next month.
The regulations require retailers to have an Economic Operator Identifier Code (registered to their business) and a Facility Identifier Code (for each store or premises which stores tobacco) in order to purchase compliant cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco products from 20th May 2019. To obtain the codes, retailers with multiple sites should apply to the government appointed ID issuer, De La Rue, by the end of April. Retailers that operate from a single site will not be able to apply for their codes until Tuesday 30th April.
Retailers operating multiple sites can apply for their Economic Operator Identifier Code here: https://eutpd.uk.delarue.com. To apply for their Facility Identifier Codes, retailers can request a bulk upload form by emailing [email protected].
The intention of the track and trace regulations is to ensure that legitimate tobacco products can be tracked through the supply chain, and that only retailers who have registered for codes for their business can purchase legitimate tobacco. The UK lost around £2.5bn to the illicit tobacco market in 2016/17, so the regulations are an important part of the fight against criminals buying and selling illegitimate products.
At any time, if you suspect another business in your area selling illicit tobacco, or you have been approached to purchase illicit tobacco, you should call the HMRC fraud hotline on 0800 788 887.
The guidance is available to download here: http://bit.ly/trackandtraceguide
