The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced new generation excise stamps for wines, spirits, tobacco and beer that will be verified using smartphones.
According to Daily Nation, the new stamps have a Quick Response code that will allow distributors, retailers and consumers to use an app on their smartphones to confirm authenticity of the products.
KRA was, however, quick to add that the old generation paper stamps affixed on wines, cigarettes, beers and spirits will continue to be used until old stock is consumed.
The new stamps are part of the taxman’s broader scheme to roll out the electronic goods management system (EGMS) as it seeks to prevent illicit trade, seal revenue leakages and improve collection.
KRA believes the introduction of the new stamps will enable manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers to authenticate and trace all excisable goods throughout their distribution chain.
“The verification of the new excise stamps using a smart-phone app will further enable consumers to verify that the products are genuine hence guaranteeing their safety,” Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Benson Korongo said in a statement as quoted by the Daily Nation.
KRA further said excise revenue grew by 28 per cent in the 2015/16 F/Y compared to the year before, while domestic excise revenue from products controlled under the EGMS system rose by 43 per cent.