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Tobacco: Smuggling

Asked by Jim McMahonLabour (Co-op)TreasuryTabled Answered 13 July 2026UIN 15729

The question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many cases have been referred to HMRC for civil sanctions by Trading Standards teams for non-compliance with the UK Tobacco Track and Trace system since July 2023; how many of those referrals resulted in a civil sanction; and what the value was of those civil sanctions.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received 1,034 referrals from Trading Standards relating to non-compliance with the UK Tobacco Track and Trace system. To date, 569 referrals have resulted in financial penalties being issued, with a total value of £3,497,500. This reflects cases where HMRC's casework has concluded; other referrals remain under review or are continuing through the compliance process.

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