Portugal has become the latest EU member state to officially oppose the European Commission’s proposed reforms to the Tobacco Excise Tax Directive (TED) – especially the one calling for a sharp increase in minimum tax rates. According to Portugal, this will drive consumers to the illicit market, reports The European Business Review.

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 UK’s decision to implement a new vaping products duty, paired with a mandatory duty stamp, marks a pivotal evolution in its regulatory posture toward nicotine-containing vape products.

As a large number of Tax Stamp & Traceability News™ readers are already aware, tobacco and alcohol producers spend significant amounts of time and effort lobbying against the installation of tax stamp and traceability systems that are fully managed by national revenue authorities.

One of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in United Nations history, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) celebrates its 20th anniversary in May 2023.

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.

It’s not all about new constitutions, riots and uncontrollable forest fires lately in Chile. There’s actually been some interesting news with respect to traceability, with press releases from both the tax authority, Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII), and the national customs service, Aduanas de Chile.

Across tax and customs administrations, there are several key trends that are of some relevance to the secure marking and traceability space.

Looking at the interplay of challenges arising from the implementation of Pakistan’s tax stamp and production monitoring system, during 2021 and 2022, one might say Pakistan is riding a perfect storm.

The international standard ISO 22382:2018, which was published in October 2018 as a guidance for tax stamp issuers on best practice in the design, sourcing, issuance, and monitoring of tax stamps, is due for review in 2023.