Tobacco track & trace: rigorous enforcement from 20 May
Wholesalers of tobacco products may have to turn customers away empty-handed when the new track & trace rules come into force on 20 May.
Under the tobacco track & trace system, retailers will not be able to purchase cigarettes and rolling tobacco from wholesalers unless they have registered for an Economic Operator Identifier Code (EOID).
James Bielby: ‘It’s vital that tobacco retailers apply for and receive their EOID before attempting to make purchases from our members’ tobacco rooms.’
FWD wholesaler members have reported that, despite the system coming into operation 12 months ago, some retailers have not yet applied for EOID and are still attempting to purchase tobacco without it.
As applications can take up to two days to process, cash & carry customers without an EOID and Facility Identifier Codes for each of their premises will not be immediately able to buy tobacco on the premises or order stock for delivery from 20 May.
The regulations were introduced last May with a 12-month implementation period while wholesalers installed the necessary scanning equipment and sold through unmarked stock.
HMRC took a constructive approach to enforcement, working with wholesalers and retailers to ensure they were able to implement the system. HRMC is clear that from 20 May retailers and wholesalers will be subject to criminal proceedings, including penalty notices and stock seizures, if they do not comply. Wholesalers who continue to sell product to non-registered customers will have their ability to purchase tobacco removed. HMRC also says that COVID-19 is not reducing its ability to tackle illicit and criminal activity.
FWD chief executive James Bielby said: “The track & trace scheme has introduced costs and complexity for our wholesaler members and it’s disappointing that the Government has been unable to provide a plan for how the scheme will continue after the Brexit transition period finishes at the end of this year.
“However, the systems are now in place and the message from HMRC in unambiguous: while they will work with wholesalers and retailers who are having technical difficulties, they will also start to use the penalties available for deliberate non-compliance, which we welcome.
“It’s vital that tobacco retailers apply for and receive their EOID before attempting to make purchases from our members’ tobacco rooms.”
The registration portal is here https://eutpd.uk.delarue.com/login?returnUrl=%2Fdashboard
