Kazakhstan Introduces Mandatory Labeling of Tobacco Products

On September 10, 2020, Kazakhstan adopted Resolution No. 568 introducing mandatory labeling of tobacco products. The labeling requirements entered into force on October 1, 2020 for filtered cigarettes, while other types of tobacco products, such as cigars, cigarillos and heated tobacco, will be subject to mandatory labeling from April 1, 2021.

All tobacco products in Kazakhstan will need to include a unique identifier on their packaging, a Data Matrix code, containing information such as the product’s serial number and manufacturer’s name. The sale of tobacco products will only be possible with the use of a 2D barcode scanner, which will read the information contained in the Data Matrix code.

It is expected that the new labeling system will ensure market transparency and prevent the circulation of counterfeit goods in the country. Because the new labeling requirements involve additional costs, tobacco product prices will increase by 6%.

Prepared by: Dayana Auezova

For more information, please contact kazakhstan@petosevic.com.

Source: Zakon.kz news portal