The federal government in Canada has introduced a new excise duty stamp designed to help authorities spot contraband tobacco products.

The stamp, which was designed and produced by the Canadian Bank Note Company and SICPA Product Security, contains security features much like the identifiers stamped on money.
"Everyone from law enforcement agents to the average consumer will be better equipped to identify and detect illicit tobacco products entering and being sold in Canada," said Gordon O'Connor, revenue minister, at an Ottawa news conference. "Illegal possession of tobacco products without this stamp will be a criminal offence punishable by law."
The Canada Revenue Agency will meet with industry and government stakeholders before rolling out the stamp in early 2010.
In April the RCMP said the underground cigarette industry costs the federal government as much as CAD 2 billion (EUR 1.3 billion) in lost tax revenue per year. (pi)