South Africa Revives National Track and Trace Plans to Tackle Illicit Trade

Six years after its first serious attempt to introduce a tobacco track and trace system, South Africa is once again signalling its intention to implement track and trace, this time under the leadership of the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and as part of a broader strategy to combat illicit trade across multiple sectors.

In its Annual Performance Plan (APP) for 2026/27, published on 14 April 2026, the NCC sets out plans to develop and implement national tracking and tracing as part of the National Illicit Economy Disruption Programme, a government-wide effort to address what officials estimate is a R700 billion ($42 billion) illicit economy. The proposed system is scheduled for launch in the 2027/28 financial year.

Broad sector coverage

Unlike previous discussions around tobacco-specific traceability, the NCC’s proposal envisages a cross-sector platform covering a wide range of consumer products. Priority sectors identified in the APP include tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, food products, and electrical and household appliances.