From April 1, digital labeling became mandatory for all types of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes. This was reported in the press service of the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
From now on, manufacturers and importers must label not only cigarettes with the Data Matrix code, but also cigars, cigarillos, hookah tobacco, and even sticks for electronic cigarettes.
The remaining unmarked goods of these groups can be sold before April 1, 2022. This norm is regulated by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan No. 568" On determining the list of goods subject to labeling " dated September 10, 2020.
The segment of alternative tobacco products, mainly (more than 90% of the total volume), in Kazakhstan is represented by sticks for electronic cigarettes. The main importers of this group are Philip Morris Kazakhstan and British American Tobacco Kazakhstan.
The range of suppliers of cigars and cigarillos to the market of Kazakhstan is wider, so additional methods of digital labeling are defined for them – such as stiketing and labeling. They do not require capital expenditures for marking equipment.