Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps HMRC will take to (a) enforce the regulations within the Tobacco Track and Trace scheme past 20 May 2019 and (b) ensure that business have adequate time to register for Economic Operator identifier codes.

The Tobacco Products (Traceability and Security Features) Regulations 2019 include sanctions for non-compliance with the track and trace scheme. This includes the power to seize non-compliant tobacco products and deactivate an Economic Operator’s ID Code.

From 20 May 2019, businesses will be unable to legally buy or sell tobacco products without a valid ID Code. These sanctions will help protect legitimate business from rogue operators selling illicit tobacco products.

HMRC recognises that businesses will need time to become familiar with the new arrangements. During the 12-month sell through period, HMRC will support businesses to understand their obligations, and engage with other enforcement agencies, including Border Force and Trading Standards, to ensure effective and proportionate enforcement of the regulations.

De La Rue (the UK’s appointed ID issuer) published details of the registration process and general guidance on 25 March 2019. The registration process will open on 23 April for manufacturers and large retailers, and on 30 April for all other businesses. This will help to stagger the registration process and facilitate the registration of businesses by the deadline of 20 May 2019.