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<p>The UK has now left the EU and entered a transition period which ends on 31 December
2020. During the transition period there will be no change to the track and trace
system. At the end of the transition period, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will
need to make some changes to the current system for it to continue to operate. The
changes will be kept to the minimum necessary to enable the UK to have full regulatory
control.</p><p>In addition to the track and trace system, cigarettes and hand rolling
tobacco incorporate a UK security label that contains sophisticated anti-counterfeit
security technology. There will therefore be no increase in the risk of counterfeit
cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco entering the UK as a result of any changes to
the track and trace system at the end of the transition period.</p><p>The UK has a
strong record of tackling the illicit trade in tobacco products, and the track and
trace system is a key component of HMRC’s strategy. The strategy continues to evolve,
reflecting constant changes in the nature of the fraud, and will continue to do so
at the end of the transition period.</p><p> </p><p>At the end of the sell-through
period, all cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco in the UK supply chain must be marked
with a UK ID code and security label. Any remaining unmarked stock that can no longer
be sold in the UK can be returned in accordance with the existing procedures retailers
have in place with their suppliers.</p><p> </p>
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