Hong Kong Customs has started a three-month pilot scheme under its new duty stamp system to tackle illicit tobacco sales and ensure tax compliance.

Abu Dhabi-listed e7 Group, a security printer and identity solution provider, has entered into a strategic partnership with 7I Holding, a UAE-based government technology firm and regional affiliate of SICPA, to expand global reach in secure and sovereign applications, including national revenue optimisation.

Argentina’s cigarette tax stamps have undergone a redesign following the transformation of the country’s tax authority from the Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP) to the Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero (ARCA). While the change reflects new institutional branding and regulatory updates under General Resolution 5603/2024, the stamps’ core optical security features remain firmly in place.

The Portuguese government has announced a 2% increase in the price that tobacco companies will need to pay for tax stamps in 2026, alongside a change in the stamps’ background colour.

According to Tobacco Reporter, the Philippines Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has reported collections of PHP 942 million ($17 million) in excise taxes, on 130 million millilitres of vape products, in the six months since its vape stamp system was introduced (1 June 2024). In 2023, those numbers were only PHP 224 million ($4 million) on 11.2 million millilitres, for the entire year.

The Uttarakhand State Excise Department, located in northern India, has enhanced its tax stamps by incorporating optical security features.

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.

Oman has announced changes to the implementation timeframe and scope for extending its tax stamp and digital traceability programme to excisable drinks.

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has announced it will be expanding the use of excise tax stamps to a broader range of excisable products beyond cigarettes, following a 2021 amendment to the country’s Customs and Excise Act.

Polyart Group, a supplier of film and paper substrates for the specialty label market, and EDGYN, a security solutions specialist, have announced a partnership for the Asia Pacific region.