In three months (20th May 2019), the tobacco ‘track and trace’ regulations will come into effect. ACS has compiled what is known so far about the regulations and how retailers will be required to comply. This information is available on ACS’ website at: https://www.acs.org.uk/track-and-trace
The regulations will 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 cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco products from 20th May 2019. To obtain the codes, retailers must apply to a government appointed ID issuer before 20th May 2019. However, the application process for codes is not open yet.
ACS has repeatedly called on the Government to publish details of how retailers can apply for the codes that they will need to comply with the upcoming track and trace regulations.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The introduction of track and trace will place a number of demands on retailers and it is important that HMRC urgently addresses the uncertainty around compliance with these regulations.
“We have called on HMRC to publish details of how retailers can get the codes they need to comply with the regulations. Any problems with this process could leave to retailers not getting their codes in time and not being able to purchase compliant tobacco after the implementation date.”
ACS will be following up with government officials to find out details about when the application process will open and will continue to raise concerns about the time left for retailers to apply for their codes before the implementation date.
The ‘Track and Trace’ page of the ACS website will be updated with more information once it becomes available.
Details of the track and trace regulations as they stand are available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-and-storing-tobacco-products
