Under the tobacco track-and-trace system, retailers will not be able to buy cigarettes and rolling tobacco from members of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) after 19 May unless they have registered for an Economic Operator Identifier Code (EOID).
Despite the system coming into operation 12 months ago, some retailers have not yet applied for an EOID and are still trying to buy tobacco without it, wholesalers report.
Applications can take up to two days to process, so cash and carry customers without an EOID and Facility Identifier Codes for each of their premises will not immediately be able to buy stock in-depot or order it for delivery from 20 May.
The regulations were introduced last May with a 12-month implementation period while wholesalers installed the necessary scanning equipment and sold through unmarked stock.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) says that from 20 May retailers and wholesalers will be subject to criminal proceedings, including penalty notices and stock seizures, if they do not comply.
FWD chief executive James Bielby said: “The track-and-trace scheme has introduced costs and complexity for our wholesaler members and it’s disappointing the government has been unable to provide a plan for how the scheme will continue after the Brexit transition period finishes at the end of this year.
“However, the systems are now in place and the message from HMRC in unambiguous: while they will work with wholesalers and retailers who are having technical difficulties, they will also start to use the penalties available for deliberate non-compliance, which we welcome.
“It’s vital that tobacco retailers apply for and receive their EOID before attempting to make purchases from our members’ tobacco rooms.”
Retailers can register for their EOID by following this link
