Digital stamps demanded

The United Arab Emirates has banned the importation of cigarettes without digital tax stamps, reports The Khaleej Times.

According to the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA), the step is part of the timeline for the “Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme,” which went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019 and enables the electronic tracking of cigarette packs from production until they reach consumers.

The scheme will be gradually expanded to cover all tobacco products and support the FTA’s efforts to collect taxes, combat tax evasion and protect consumers against low-quality, contraband products.

“Phase two of the scheme is scheduled to be launched in the last quarter of 2019, where it will be expanded to cover tobacco products used in shisha and electrically heated cigarette rolls, whether imported or locally produced,” said FTA Director General Khalid Ali Al Bustani.