“Pressure” is on for track and trace

Senior Bestway director offers advice as sector prepares for legislation

A leading wholesaler has admitted that the government has put “a lot of pressure” on the industry, as businesses hurriedly prepare for the roll out of the track and trace legislation.

Bestway Wholesale’s Trading Director Kenton Burchell believes the short timeframes the tobacco supply chain is working to in order to be ready for the 20 May deadline, with some wholesalers and their customers still with work to do to make sure they’re compliant.

While there’s a year’s grace period for businesses to sell through old stock, multiple identifications are required along each step of the process – from suppliers, through to wholesalers and retailers – with wholesalers needing an Economic Operator ID (EOID) code for the business and a facility code for every outlet they’re selling tobacco from.

Although Bestway are prepared for the new law, the next task for the cash and carry giant is making sure its retailers also have the correct processes in place.

“The new track and trace legislation will have a positive impact if it prevents illicit trade and improves public health, however the timescales the industry and government departments have been working to has put a lot of pressure on the industry,” says Burchell.

“We’re playing our part in helping all retailers prepare for the legislation, which comes into effect on 20 May. All customers need to do is visit the track and trace page on our website, where they can verify the details we hold for them and give us permission to apply for the codes on their behalf.”

More than 2,000 customers have already signed up for the support on Bestway’s website, with support available to its wholesale and Best-One customers to get the correct codes set up when the UKID portal opens and also information on how the legislation impacts them.

Bestway Bestway Wholesale Kenton Burchell retail tobacco track and trace wholesale