SICPA Works on a UK Vaping Duty Stamps Program

Swiss technology company SICPA secured a traceability contract in partnership with Spectra Systems Corporation’s subsidiary, Cartor Security Printers (Cartor). This reinforces SICPA’s global leadership in secure track and trace (T&T) technology. 

Building on SICPA’s experience in deploying T&T systems for excisable products and leveraging Cartor’s advanced security printing capabilities, the consortium will deliver a robust solution combining banknote-grade security features with state-of-the-art digital systems to combat the illicit trade of vape products.

The program will deliver robust traceability solutions to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for vape products in the United Kingdom. The solution will enable HMRC to support excise duty collection, enhance market compliance, protect consumers, and further strengthen its fight against illicit trade.

Cartor will be responsible for printing tax stamps with the provision of core security features. SICPA will provide additional material and digital security features that reinforce the system’s robustness, while also managing tax stamp coding and the track and trace software solutions. 

SICPA will also manage stakeholder and product registration, tax stamp ordering and payments processes, as well as data collection and compliance monitoring for HMRC across the vape products supply chain. 

SICPA’s advanced digital market intelligence capabilities will further enable the identification of suspicious patterns and potential fraud hotspots, while audit devices for enforcement authorities and consumer verification applications will support in tackling fraud and fakes.

The project will run for an initial five-year term, with an option for a further one-year extension. The system will be implemented in phases, beginning with a transitional duty stamp from April 2026, followed by an enhanced stamp supported by a full track and trace solution from October 2026.

“We are glad to support His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in its mission to secure the market against illicit trade, building on decades of experience in excisable products secure traceability systems, and the successes of our programs throughout the world,” said Philippe Amon, chairman and CEO of SICPA.

“Cartor is proud to work alongside SICPA to deliver this important program for HMRC,” said Andrew Brigham, Cartor’s managing director. “By combining our complementary strengths, this partnership delivers a trusted solution for our customers and the UK vapes market, while supporting the UK’s efforts to protect both public revenues and consumers.”