Burkina Faso’s Mobile Brigade for Economic Control and Fraud Repression (BMCRF) presented a concerning report on Monday in Ouagadougou regarding tobacco product traceability, revealing widespread irregularities across the national territory.
According to the BMCRF General Coordinator, Sanibè Faho, these enforcement operations are part of the implementation of the Marking, Authentication, Tracking, and Traceability System (SMAT). Established by decree on March 4, 2025, and effective as of July 5, 2025, this regulatory framework mandates the application of secure tax stamps on all tobacco products, whether locally manufactured or imported.
Despite an initial extension granted until January 10, 2026, followed by a final deadline of February 28, 2026, inspections conducted between February and early April indicate a low compliance rate. Out of 115 operators inspected, only six were found to be in compliance, while 109—including producers, importers, wholesalers, and retailers—were in breach of the law.
Seizure figures highlight the scale of non-compliance: 18,595 cartons of cigarettes, including more than 12,800 lacking the required tax stamps, as well as thousands of sleeves and individual packs. Mr. Faho specified that these products would be destroyed in accordance with current regulations.
Authorities are urging economic operators to comply with legal requirements immediately.
Furthermore, they have called for public cooperation, inviting citizens to report suspicious activities via dedicated hotlines to combat the illicit tobacco trade and safeguard public health.
HO/te/Sf/lb/as/APA