Thailand Launches QR Codes on Cigarette Stamps

The Excise Department of Thailand has launched its ‘QR Cigarette’ system, comprised of tax stamps with unique QR codes and serial numbers. By scanning the code, users can access detailed product information, such as brand, manufacturer, tax payment date, shipping location, and price.

The system, which is aligned with international standards, is intended to contribute towards creating a big data platform to support the Excise Department in policymaking and enforcement.

The Department had originally announced plans to implement QR-coded stamps – on alcohol, tobacco and playing cards – in 2016, replacing the uncoded stamps already used on these products.

However, their rollout on cigarettes is only happening now.