Federal Board of Revenue announced Monday that the process of implementation of Track and Trace System in tobacco sector will be resumed as and when the stay order is vacated by the High Court.

According to the FBR, it has issued an explanation about delay in the implementation of FBR's Track & Trace System to control illicit tobacco trade. The FBR has clarified that a licence has been issued to M/s NRTC on 14th October, 2019 through a transparent and fair process of bidding which is strictly in accordance with the PPRA Rules, 2004 and Licensing Rules, 2019. However, the award of licence to lowest bidder, i.e, M/s NRTC was challenged by some unsuccessful bidders, i.e, M/s SICPA Ink in Sindh High Court and M/s Reliance IT Solutions (Pvt) Ltd and M/s NIFT Consortium in Islamabad High Court. Since, the Court has granted status quo and the matter is sub judice before the aforesaid courts, therefore, there is no delay on the part of FBR. The process of implementation of Track and Trace System will be resumed as and when the stay order is vacated by the Court.-PR