Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what research his Department has undertaken on the potential effect of introducing track and trace technology on reducing the amount of lost excise duty on (a) tobacco, (b) beer, (c) wine and (d) spirits.

HM Revenue & Customs continues to explore how technology, including track and trace systems could improve taxpayer compliance and help tackle the illicit trade in excise goods.

HM Revenue and Customs has conducted no formal research into the potential effect of track and track systems on reducing the amount of lost excise duty. However, the European Commission published an assessment of the impact of implementation of a track and trace system for tobacco products across the EU at: https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/tobacco/docs/2015_tpd_tracking_tracing_frep_en.pdf

In November 2017, the UK voted to adopt EU regulations for the introduction of a pan-European track and trace system for tobacco products - a requirement of the EU Tobacco Products Directive 2014. This system will also meet the requirements of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Illicit Trade Protocol, to which the UK is a signatory. The aim of the Protocol is to protect public health and includes the creation of a global tracking system to secure the supply chain for tobacco products.