Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps his Department is taking to prepare to adopt track and trace guidelines for tobacco products in March 2019; and if he will make a statement.

HMRC is in the process of procuring an external supplier to develop and operate the track and trace system to be introduced for cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco from May 2019 under the EU Tobacco Products Directive. HMRC is also assessing the marketplace for potential solutions to satisfy the UK’s obligation to prescribe the components of security features on tobacco products.

Until the UK leaves the EU, we remain committed to the rights and obligations of a Member State, including requirements of all Directives. Track and trace is also required under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Illicit Trade Protocol.