Moldova will implement a traceability system for tobacco products by monitoring the entire distribution chain – from the producer or importer to the final point of sale, IPN reports.

The government has approved the establishment of the new system, accompanied by a technical regulation setting out the conditions and responsibilities of all actors involved in the trade in tobacco products. The measure supports the enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act and aims to combat illicit trade and protect public health.

Under the decision, each unit packet or aggregate packet of cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos or roll-your-own tobacco will be marked with a unique identification code. These codes will be generated and issued by a designated issuer, and the data will be stored in a national warehousing system managed by the Center for Information Technology in Finance, in collaboration with the Customs Service.

Economic operators will be obliged to record all movements of tobacco products, including entries, transactions and exits from their possession. This information will be transmitted to the data warehouse where it will be kept for at least five years. The system will enable the authorities, in particular the customs service, to trace each product and identify any irregularities.

Tobacco products already on the market before the system comes into force will be allowed to circulate unmarked for up to 18 months. After this period, traceability will become mandatory for all products on the market.

According to the authorities, the system is designed according to European standards and does not require changes to other existing legislation.

Identification codes will be verifiable both online and offline, and dedicated apps will be made available to authorities for quick inspections. The code issuer will charge fees for the services provided, calculated in proportion to the volume of codes generated for each operator.

The document enters into force in March 2026.