The effective date for commencement of the cigarette pack date marking scheme is April 2001.

Tobacco manufacturers and importers will be able to deliver unmarked cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco to the home market until 6pm on Budget Day 2001.

All cigarettes after that time will need to bear the pack mark for 2001/02 containing the words: “UK DUTY PAID. Not to be sold after 30 April 2002.” It will be a criminal offence to sell unmarked packs and the sale of marked but time expired products will be subject to penalties.