In April this year, President Noboa of Ecuador, who has positioned himself and his administration as focused on law and order, was re-elected with over 55% of the popular vote. His stance on fighting corruption and drug- related violence might prove fertile ground for a more efficient fight against other criminal activity such as the rise in contraband cigarettes. Months before the election, a congressional justice committee highlighted the importance of tobacco traceability in a draft bill against illicit trade but, so far, the regulations established in late 2021 remain in force.

Amid sweeping efforts by President Milei’s government to reform Argentina’s tax administration, the country’s tobacco tax stamp programme is an important step towards such reform. While the programme has helped Argentina’s tax authority reconcile production volumes with the number of products actually sold and taxes paid, there is an ongoing price disparity in the market, between manufacturers and resellers, that is ultimately resulting in less tax going to the government.

At the recent Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum™, Dr Hana Ross from the World Bank Global Tax Program shared findings from a 2020 study examining Poland’s approach to regulating the raw tobacco supply chain. The study highlighted how targeted controls helped the country significantly reduce its illicit tobacco trade.

According to the Pakistani press, the country’s government has introduced an amendment to the 1934 Petroleum Act to implement real-time tracking of petroleum products, from import and production to retail sale. This move aims to reduce massive annual revenue losses estimated at PKR 300-500 billion ($1.1-$1.8 billion), due to smuggling and adulteration of petroleum products.

The global software engineering company ELEKS has been awarded a tender to develop Ukraine’s ‘e-Excise’ tax stamp and traceability programme for tobacco and alcohol products.

Following a tender process launched in 2022, the Ethiopian Ministry of Finance has recently introduced a new excise stamp management directive.

Pakistan’s economy is currently going through a crucial period, like many other economies in the world. Along with unprecedented floods and political turmoil, the economy is beset by skyrocketing interest rates and inflation, as well as a decline in imports.

Never a dull day in Latin America! The recent general election in Argentina saw flamboyant libertarian Javier Milei ascend to the presidency, with a promise to re-invent the Argentine economic wheel by eliminating not only the Argentina peso, but also many ministries and thousands of government employees.

Since the introduction of its digital tax stamp, tracing, and reporting programme, Uganda has experienced continuous and sustained acceptance, implementation of and compliance with the programme.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon was guest of honour at the recent launch of a countrywide authentication and traceability programme to combat tobacco illicit trade and promote economic reform.