Economy

Stakeholders question Commission’s handling of tobacco track and trace

Several member states and the EU distribution sector have questioned the effectiveness of a recent European Commission consultant’s proposal on the future track and trace system of tobacco products.

An EU spokesperson revealed that the Commission has SMEs firmly in mind in its track and trace plans. [HM Revenue & Customs /Flickr]

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Background

In July 2016, the European Commission decided to end an anti-smuggling deal with tobacco firm Phillip Morris International (PMI) and pledged to focus on the new EU tobacco directive, as well as accords with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to fight against illicit tobacco trade.

The EU has similar agreements with other tobacco companies such as JTI, which expires in 2022, and with BAT and Imperial Brands, both ending in 2030.

Under the Tobacco Products Directive, which took effect on 20 May, legal cigarette sales in the EU will be tracked and traced as from May 2019. In particular, member states must ensure that all unit packets of tobacco products are marked with a unique identifier.

“The Commission considers that the combination of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products negotiated in the context of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) are the best instruments to fight illicit trade by regulatory means,” the then Budget Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva noted.

Commission vows to tackle illicit tobacco trade 'by its own means'

The European Commission will focus on the new tobacco directive, as well as accords with the World Health Organisation to fight against illicit tobacco trade, following the expiration a 12-year deal with Marlboro-maker Philip Morris.

Timeline

  • 22 June: Subgroup on tobacco traceability

Updated: 29-09-2024

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