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<p>HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has conducted a competitive tendering exercise
to appoint an independent ID issuer who will be responsible for the issue of unique
tracking codes and operator identifiers. The tender documentation specified that bids
must comply with the EU Tobacco Products Directive and Implementing Regulations. This
will enable traceability from the point of manufacture or importation to the first
retail outlet, and ensures independence from the tobacco industry. Details of the
successful bidder will be announced as soon as the contractual arrangements are finalised.</p><p>
</p><p>The track and trace system is not a revenue collection system, however when
used alongside existing controls it will help enforcement officers identify non duty
paid tobacco products and take action against those responsible.</p><p> </p><p>The
implementing legislation for the EU Directive specifies strict and comprehensive criteria
by which independence from the tobacco industry is determined. This criteria has been,
and will continue to be met at all times. While HMRC has no plans to publish representations
made by the tobacco industry as they may contain taxpayer or commercially sensitive
information, details of meetings between HMRC officials and the tobacco industry are
published on gov.uk. This includes meetings to discuss points of detail on the track
and trace system, such as the specific placement of the unique ID codes on the packs.</p><a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hm-revenue-customs-officials-meetings-with-tobacco-stakeholders"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hm-revenue-customs-officials-meetings-with-tobacco-stakeholders</a>
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