UK Cigarette Packs To Adopt Anti-Counterfeit Technology

The Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association (TMA) welcomes yesterday’s announcement that, following extensive consultation between its member companies and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the tobacco sector’s offer to incorporate anti-counterfeit technology in UK cigarette packs has been approved by the Government.

We estimate that in 2006 around 2 billion counterfeit cigarettes were smuggled into the UK. Although instances of counterfeit cigarettes being sold in legitimate retail outlets are rare, we share HMRC’s concern that this could grow.

Christopher Ogden, Director of the TMA, said:
“The adoption of anti-counterfeit technology is another example of the effective co‑operation that exists between the UK tobacco manufacturers and HMRC in their joint efforts to reduce the level of tobacco smuggling.

“Covert features to be included in UK cigarette packs will allow Customs’ officers to instantly authenticate genuine product through small handheld readers. Equally, counterfeit cigarettes will be immediately identified by the same means. This technology should act as a deterrent to any retailer tempted to deal in counterfeit tobacco products.”

Ends
For further information please contact:

Gill Silverman, Media and Information Manager
t: 020 7544 0108
m: 07712 530 436
f: 020 7544 0117
e: gsilverman@the-tma.org.uk

Notes to Editors

1. This press release is issued on behalf of the TMA’s principal member companies: British American Tobacco, Gallaher Ltd and Imperial Tobacco Ltd.

2. In 2006 cigarette consumption was estimated by TMA to be 67.5 billion – 49 billion UK duty paid plus 18.5 billion non-UK duty paid. Around 3% (2 billion cigarettes) of the total was estimated to be counterfeit.

3. To avoid counterfeit products retailers should only obtain their stock from legitimate wholesalers or cash and carries.

4. HM Revenue & Customs estimate that as much as £25 billion in revenue has been lost since 2000/1 due to smuggling and crossborder shopping.