On 30 September 2026, the State Tax Service reported the continuation of nationwide control measures targeting the circulation of excise goods, with a focus on the northern and western economic regions. Since the start of the “Excise Integrity” operation in August 2026, over 3,200 inspections have been conducted at production facilities, warehouses, and retail points, resulting in the detection of 480 violations, seizure of 85,000 liters of illicit alcohol and 2.3 million packs of counterfeit cigarettes, and the imposition of AZN 1.2 million in fines. The operation leverages the new “Excise Track & Trace” system, which became mandatory for all excise goods manufacturers and importers on 1 July 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Real-Time Monitoring: The Track & Trace system enables tax authorities to monitor the movement of each excise unit from production to retail sale via unique DataMatrix codes, with alerts for route deviations or unauthorized storage.
- Wholesale Licensing Tightened: Amendments to the Licensing Law, effective 1 October 2026, require wholesale distributors of excise goods to maintain a minimum capital of AZN 500,000 and submit monthly stock reports electronically.
- Public Reporting Channel: A dedicated Telegram bot (@ExciseControlBot) and hotline (195-1 ext. 5) have been launched for citizens to report suspected illicit excise goods, with rewards up to AZN 5,000 for actionable intelligence.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement