ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has urged convenience retailers that sell tobacco products to ensure that they have valid economic operator and facility identifier codes ahead of a change to the system run by tracking operator Dentsu.
On Wednesday 1st March, Dentsu will return to a requirement for full validation against registration data that it holds. Any errors with the economic operator, facility identifier or machine ID recognised by the system will need to be resolved before products can be sold or move through the supply chain.
Dentsu took over the operation of the UK track and trace system in 2022, with the new system going live in July. Since 20th May 2019, tobacco manufacturers have been required to provide unique identifier codes on cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco products. Cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco must also be tracked through the supply chain. This means that distributors, wholesalers and retailers with distribution centres are required to scan these products in and out of their warehouses.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The Track and Trace system is essential in tracking legitimate product through the supply chain, so it’s important that retailers ensure the details of their business are accurate and match with the information held by Dentsu, as otherwise they will not be able to purchase tobacco products until issues are resolved.”
More information on the Dentsu system is available on their website here: https://uk-trackandtrace.dentsutracking.com/
