Tobacco Industry Cheers as Government Unveils Game-Changing Track and Trace System to Combat Illicit Cigarette Trade

The tobacco industry is celebrating the government's introduction of a Track and Trace Mechanism aimed at curbing the illicit cigarette trade. Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, this initiative will require unique identification markings on cigarette packaging, allowing for better monitoring and enforcement against illegal sales. The Tobacco Institute of India estimates that illicit cigarettes currently account for a quarter of the market, leading to significant revenue losses and undermining legitimate businesses. This move is expected to bolster the legal tobacco sector while enhancing national security by combatting organized crime linked to smuggling

 

Source: The Week, Interpack