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The government has said it will introduce extended powers for trading standards officers as well as a new track and trace penalty for non-compliant products in the Finance Bill 2021/22.
The plans follow a consultation launched at the end of last year which sought views on the tobacco track and trace system, applying new sanctions for tobacco smuggling and extending the powers of trading standards officers.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The illicit market is extremely detrimental to legitimate retailers and we welcome the introduction of tougher sanctions to help eliminate illicit sellers from the market.
“We encourage Trading Standards officers and HMRC to broaden their outlook on sources of illicit and non-duty paid tobacco products to address and enforce against those trading illicit tobacco in communities, such as criminals selling on streets and from private dwellings.”
