Brussels, 14 February 2022:  Articles 15 and 16 of the Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) , and its implementing and delegated acts established the first regional tobacco tracking and tracing system for tobacco products. It aims to support Member States in controlling the supply chain of tobacco products legally manufactured or imported on the EU’s internal market, and in meeting the EU’s and Member States’ obligations under Article 8 of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.

This was an important and welcomed step in addressing illicit trade in the EU, as it undermines tobacco control policies by increasing affordability, attractiveness, and availability, while depriving governments of tax revenue. EU estimates based on seizure figures more than €10 billion losses of revenue annually.

However, SFP have concerns on the tracking and tracing system and its independence. SFP recommends to eliminate responsibilities allocated to the tobacco industry in the tracking and tracing system in the Tobacco Products Directive’s Article 15(8): the manufacturers or importers should not be allowed to appoint data storage providers or auditors.

Please find the details in the policy paper below: