As the threat of counterfeit cigarettes grows, the UK government has agreed to implement a long-awaited upgrade to the anti-counterfeit technology incorporated in UK cigarette packs. 

After extensive negotiations between HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the UK Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association’s (TMA) principal member companies (British American Tobacco, Gallaher Ltd and Imperial Tobacco Ltd), the UK government has approved the tobacco sector’s offer to incorporate anti-counterfeit technology in UK cigarette packs. The upgrade is expected to be introduced within the next six months.

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

He continued: "Covert features to be included in the UK cigarette packs will allow customs officers to instantly authenticate genuine products through small handheld readers. [At the same time], 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.”

Details of the technology have not yet been unveiled, but it is expected to involve the use of a "‘covert security mark" on cigarette packets, which HMRC staff can read via a small handheld reader to determine whether the cigarettes are genuine or fake.

The technology will reduce the time taken by law enforcement officials to confirm the counterfeit status of cigarettes at the time of seizure. Having to rely on the tobacco industry to determine the authenticity of a product impedes effective control of counterfeit trade by involving more time, effort and money.

A tracking system also allows authorities to monitor the movement of tobacco products around the world to avoid their diversion into illegal markets. The ability of authorities to track the products is key to identifying the point of diversion and holding those responsible accountable. To enable authorities to trace tobacco products and detect illegal trade, markings and codes on the packs, cartons and master cases must be mandatory. 

Already used in Brazil, California and Malaysia, the technology's success is perhaps partly due to the fact that while any prospective system needs some flexibility to cope with technological progress, its features should also be universal enough to be able to work in various countries with different and non-compatible tracking and tracing systems. 

*This article was first published in “World Tobacco”, May 2007