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Tag: track-and-trace

  • Philippines Planning Track-and-Trace System for Consumer Use

    Philippines Planning Track-and-Trace System for Consumer Use

    The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines is set to roll out a digital track-and-trace system next year that will enable the public to verify the legitimacy of cigarette and vape products using QR codes, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said.

    The new system, being developed through a public-private partnership, will allow consumers to scan QR codes on product packaging using their mobile phones. The scanned information will link to a secure website providing detailed data on product origin, legitimacy, and tax compliance.

    Currently, the BIR uses its Internal Revenue Stamp Integrated System exclusively, which only government devices can verify. The planned QR tracker expands verification capabilities to the public, helping expose illicit cigarette and vape products and address loopholes such as fake export claims used to evade excise taxes.

    The rollout faced delays due to procurement and budget concerns, requiring approval from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (formerly NEDA) and the Department of Finance. A feasibility study and revised terms of reference are currently under review.

  • Pakistan Trace System Rolled Out by Year’s End

    Pakistan Trace System Rolled Out by Year’s End

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    Pakistan’s track-and-trace system is expected to be fully installed throughout the tobacco industry by the end of December 2023.

    Two multinationals and one local tobacco company have already installed the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) new automated system while six local companies have installed manual track-and-trace systems.

    Some local companies have raised concerns about the cost of the systems, prompting The Business Recorder to urge the government to offer discounts or installment payments on the equipment.

    According to the FBR, revenue from the tobacco sector has increased following the implementation of the system, with a major increase in the rates of the federal excise duty on cigarettes.

  • Manufacturers Enact Tracking System

    Manufacturers Enact Tracking System

    Image: www.doglikehorse.com

    About 20 local cigarette manufacturing companies signed agreements with Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for implementation of a track-and-trace system, according to ProPakistani.

    The local companies have been forced to start implementation of the system due to vacation of stay orders from courts and the deputation of Inland Revenue officials. The FBR has been in a court battle for about two years over implementing the system; the FBR finally won the legal battle and is now enforcing the track-and-trace system at local factories.

    Implementation is at different stages for each company; almost all local manufacturers have signed the agreements with the FBR and begun implementing the track-and-trace system. One company has fully implemented the system while six companies are manually stamping cigarette packs. Some companies have purchased applicators, and other companies have started test runs.

    All manufacturing companies within the jurisdiction of Azad Kashmir have obtained stay orders against the system, however.

  • AJK to Require Track-and-Trace System

    AJK to Require Track-and-Trace System

    Image: Tobacco Reporter archive

    The Central Board of Revenue for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has instructed all cigarette manufacturers in the state to implement the latest track-and-trace system by Aug. 1, reports Dawn.

    “All cigarette manufacturing units in the territory must ensure installation of the latest manual/automatic applicators, including tax stickers/stamps, on the pattern of Pakistan in consultation with the relevant legally authorized license holder company, by Aug. 1, 2023, or else the clearance of their products will be halted followed by initiation of legal action, including closure under rules of the units concerned,” said a spokesperson.

    AJK cigarette manufacturers and representatives of the AJK Inland Revenue Department signed agreements on April 14 regarding installation of the track-and-trace system. On May 31, a team from the Federal Board of Revenue’s Directorate General of Digital Initiatives physically visited all cigarette units in AJK along with the legally authorized license holder firm.

    Those caught without the correct track-and-trace requirements will face legal action.