About the Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum
Excise duty on tobacco, spirits, wine, beer and other excisable goods is an important source of revenue for governments. This income is, however, under threat from the illicit trade in all these goods – whether in the form of contraband, counterfeiting or tax evasion.
Governments, which are losing billions each year in lost revenues, can protect themselves and this valuable source of revenue by deploying tax stamps as a vehicle for tax collection and proof of payment. And the same vehicle, in providing proof of authenticity and secure track and trace, also protects the interests of other stakeholders, including economic operators, consumers and public health bodies.
The objective of the Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum is to bring together government excise and customs agencies, investigators and law enforcement, regulators, cigarette, alcohol and other excisable product manufacturers and distributors, security printers, supply chain specialists and integrators, suppliers of authentication and serialisation technologies, and systems integrators – to hear about and discuss the latest developments in tax stamp and traceability systems and learn from one another about requirements, best practice and potential solutions.
Topics Covered Typically Include:
- The problems of illicit trade and its devastating impact
- National and international initiatives to provide solutions combining technology, policing and effective enforcement
- Case studies demonstrating the successful implementation of tax stamp and traceability programmes
- Practical technology-based countermeasures to aid authentication, fiscal verification and supply chain security
2019 in Numbers
Attendees
Countries
Organisations
Government Organisations
Who Should Attend the Forum?
- Revenue agencies and issuing authorities
- Customs and excise officials
- Law enforcement agencies
- Investigative services
- Tobacco and alcohol regulators
- Anti-counterfeiting and IP organisations
- Manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers of tobacco, alcohol and other excisable products
- Tax stamp and track and trace system and equipment manufacturers
- Security printers and integrators
- Labelling companies and packaging converters
- Suppliers of security substrates, authentication and serialisation technologies
- Data management specialists and systems integrators
Programme
Monday 16 May 2022
09:00 – 12:30 Closed Workshop for Revenue/Customs Authorities Only: Hosted by International Tax Stamp Association
The International Tax Stamp Association (ITSA) is hosting a closed meeting for revenue and other government authorities, as well as ITSA members, which allows the authorities to come together for more intimate discussions before the conference begins.
13:30 – 17:00 Workshop: Security Printing in the Digital Age
Dgital printing technologies are finding an ever-increasing role in the production of secure documents, particularly in areas that require low setup costs and the individualisation of documents with unique or sequential features. This is seeing the development of digitally-specific security print design features. What are they and how do you incorporate them in to your security document?
Before adopting digital printing for your secured documents you need to consider its characteristics, the consumables available for digital printing and the supporting design and pre-press software available – as well as how you might integrate with traditional analogue printing. You also need to consider the easy availability of digital printers and how its output compares against the output of the specialist equipment being developed for security printing.
This workshop will examine the characteristics of these specialist digital printers for secured documents, with information on security inks for digital printing, feature design software, printing hardware and real-life applications. It will also take a big-picture look at the opportunities and threats arising from these printer developments.
The workshop will feature presentations from equipment, software and ink suppliers as well as a company already offering digitally printed documents, to ensure that you get clear, detailed and practical information on the possibilities and options of using high-end digital systems for security documents.
All those registering for this workshop will receive a complimentary digital copy of Reconnaissance’s new publication Printing Beyond Colour: Commercial Innovations for Security Print, worth £250. This 60-page review offers informative technical analyses of latest generation inks and digital printing techniques and how these could be adapted and applied to the security world.
18:30 Welcome Reception
Tuesday 17 May 2022
Hover on the presentation title or speaker to see if more information is available.
Session 1 – Welcome and Overview
09:10
From Grapes to Oil – Balancing Synergy and Customisation in the Expansion of Malta’s Digital Tax Stamp Programme
David Thomas
OpSec Security (UK)
09:30
Successful Implementation for Liberia and its State-of-the-Art Track and Trace Solution
Asir Ratan Singh
Madras Security Printers (India)
09:50
Tracking and Tracing of Tobacco Products: Lessons Learned and Best Practices
Juan Carlos Yañez Arenas
International Tax Stamp Association (UK)
10:10
Using a Simulation Model to Determine Break-even Cost of Track and Trace
Dr Hana Ross
University of Cape Town (South Africa)
10:30 Session Q&A
10:45 Break – Refreshments
Session 2 – Broadening the Scope / FCTC Protocol
11:05
Digital Tax Stamp Solutions for the WHO FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade
Nasser Bakkar
De La Rue (UK)
11:25
Broadening the Scope of Traceability Solutions with Continuously Evolving Technologies
Ruggero Milanese
SICPA (Switzerland)
11:45
Covert Traceability of Tax Stamps Through Taggant Barcoding
Dr Vitaly Talyansky
Stardust Materials (Estonia)
12:05
Beyond Compliance: Digital Tax Stamps in High-Speed Production Markets
Dr Foued Barouni
OPTEL Group (Canada)
12:25 Session Q&A
12:40 Lunch
13:40 Session 3 – Panel Discussion – Cannabis and Securing the Entire Supply Chain
Francisco Mandiola – FMA Secure – Chile – Chair
During this ‘coffee table’ panel, solution providers and other stakeholders discuss how countries should deal with the high tax-earning potential of cannabis versus cigarettes/alcohol. They also compare different seed-to-sale authentication and track and trace mechanisms for protecting against illicit trade and complying with government regulations.
15:10 Break – Refreshments
Session 4 – Digital Seals / Digital Security Printing
16:10
Does a Visible Digital Seal Solve the Market Requirement for Anti-Copy and Anti-Cloneable Codes?
Michael Ritschewald
LEONHARD KURZ (Germany)
16:30
See the Unseen – A Look into Level 2 Security on Tax Stamps
Gerben van Wijk
Luminescence Sun Chemical (UK)
16:50 Session Q&A
17:05 Extended Exhibition Viewing
18:30 Gala Dinner
Wednesday 18 May 2022
Session 5 – Monitoring and Enforcement / Interoperability
09:00
Well-Designed Tax Stamps Help Combat Illegal Alcohol and Tobacco Supply
Aqthar Hassen
Sri Lanka Customs (Sri Lanka)
09:40
Flexibility Through Interoperable Functional Units
Dr Marietta Ulrich-Horn
Securikett (Austria)
10:20 Session Q&A
10:35 Break – Refreshments
Session 6 – Innovations / Technologies
10:55
Digital Variable Embossing of Holographic Images Revolutionises Anti-Counterfeiting
Dan Lieberman
Nanografix (USA)
11:15
Serial Numbers, Barcodes and Covert Security Features on Tax Stamps
Erwin Wagner
Baldwin Vision Systems (USA)
11:35
Phygital Security Feature Innovations on Tax Stamps in India
Chander Shekhar Jeena
Authentication Solution Providers’ Association
11:55
Q-ID: A Simple Solution to Tax Stamp Security Using Quantum Technology
David Howarth
Quantum Base (UK )
12:15 Session Q&A
12:30 Lunch
Session 7 – Country Cases
13:50
Fiscal Traceability in Chile to Reduce Indirect Tax Evasion
Fernando Barraza
Former Chilean Tax Commissioner (Chile)
14:30
Digital Transformation of Tax Administration in Georgia
David Chitaishvili
Revenue Service (Georgia )
14:50 Session Q&A
15:05 Break – Refreshments
Session 8 – Looking Ahead
15:30
Emerging Technologies – Threats and Opportunities
Dr Alan Hodgson
Consultant in Printing and Imaging (UK)
15:50
International Standards for Tax Stamps: Present and Future
Ian Lancaster
Reconnaissance International (UK)
16:10 Session Q&A
16:25 Closing Remarks and Farewell Drinks
Sponsorship Opportunities
Platinum
Sold-Out
Sponsorship of the cocktail reception or sponsorship of the conference dinner (additional charges apply)
Guaranteed presentation (subject to this meeting the criteria of the programme)
Promotional gift to delegates
Diamond
Sold-Out
Includes a flexible-sized booth (max. 6x2m ) with two delegates
Sponsorship of the cocktail reception or sponsorship of the conference dinner (additional charges apply)
Guaranteed presentation (subject to this meeting the criteria of the programme)
Promotional gift to delegates
Gold
Includes one exhibition booth (max. 5x2m) with two delegates
Priority consideration to giving a presentation (subject to this meeting the criteria of the programme)
Plus one of the following options:
The sponsor to meet the cost of equipping these
If none of the above options are suitable, an option may be chosen from the silver tier.
Silver
Includes one exhibition booth (max. 4x2m) with one delegate
Priority consideration to giving a presentation (subject to this meeting the criteria of the programme)
Plus one of the following options:
The sponsor will be responsible for providing these items
Exhibitor Information
There will be approximately 20 exhibition booths located alongside the conference hall and the exhibition is open throughout the event.
Social events such as the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Farewell Drinks and all refreshment breaks are held in the exhibition area to maximise booth visitors.
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
Mini Booth (2m x 1m)
EUR 3,290
EUR 3,655
Standard Booth (3m x 2m)
EUR 5,340
EUR 5,935
What’s Included – Mini Booth
A cost-effective option for smaller companies who only want to display literature and have a representative on the stand
- 2x1m hard-walled booth
- Includes standard power supply, information counter and chairs
- 1 full conference delegate
- Listing on website and printed programme for the Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum
What’s Included – Standard Booth
Allows space to display equipment and product examples or to have seated discussions
- 3x2m hard-walled booth
- Includes standard power supply, information counter and chairs
- 1 full conference delegate
- Listing on website and printed programme for the Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum
MIni Booth (2m x 1m)
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
EUR 3,290
EUR 3,655
What’s Included – Mini Booth
A cost-effective option for smaller companies who only want to display literature and have a representative on the stand
- 2x1m hard-walled booth
- Includes standard power supply, information counter and chairs
- 1 full conference delegate
- Listing on website and printed programme for the Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum
Standard Booth (3m x 2m)
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
EUR 5,340
EUR 5,935
What’s Included – Standard Booth
Allows space to display equipment and product examples or to have seated discussions
- 3x2m hard-walled booth
- Includes standard power supply, information counter and chairs
- 1 full conference delegate
- Listing on website and printed programme for the Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum
Please note that local VAT at the prevailing rate will be added to all invoices where relevant.
Our Current Sponsors
Our Venue
InterContinental Malta – St. George’s Bay

Making Your Hotel Reservation
Delegates are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation.
Booking Your Stay
Delegates can now book their stay for the conference and receive the special Reconnaissance International rate.
EUR 140.00 per person per night
Rate inclusive of VAT, breakfast and Wi-Fi. Rate exclusive of €0.50 ECO Tax per night
Contact Details
St. George’ s Bay
St. Julian’s STJ 3310
Malta
+356 2137 7600
Website

Beware of Unsolicited Offers
Delegates should only book their accommodation using the official reservation page when it becomes available – and not through any other agent.
Disreputable companies (such as Trade Show Housing) have been known to approach delegates with unauthorised offers – and these companies cannot be trusted.
Such companies have not been endorsed by us – and we never share delegate information with any housing company or travel agent. All unsolicited offers should be ignored.
If you have any questions or concerns about the hotel arrangements, contact the conference team:
events@reconnaissance-intl.com
+44 (0)1932 785 680
Malta
Delegate Fees
Government representatives can attend the conference free of charge – while special rates are available to state enterprise subsidiaries, , International Tax Stamp Association (ITSA) members and subscribers to Tax Stamp & Traceability News.
Further discounts apply for early registration – ends on 18 February 2022
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
Standard Delegate
EUR 2,070
EUR 2,300
State Enterprise Delegate 1
EUR 1,400
EUR 1,555
Subscriber to Tax Stamp & Traceability News 2
EUR 1,870
EUR 2,070
ITSA Member 3
EUR 1,650
EUR 1,840
Government First Two Delegates 4
Free of charge
Free of charge
Government Additional Delegate 4
EUR 1,035
EUR 1,150
2. Subscriber to Tax Stamp & Traceability News – Includes a 10% discount on the standard delegate rate
3. ITSA Member – Includes a 20% discount on the standard delegate rate
4. Government Delegate (Revenue Authorities) – Applies to representatives from revenue, customs, enforcement and other government agencies – at a federal, national, state or provincial level
Pre-Conference Workshop Fees
There is an additional charge to attend our pre-conference workshop. Government delegates can attend for free.
Government
All Other Delegates
Pre-Conference Workshop
Free of charge
EUR 280
Delegate Fees
Government representatives can attend the conference free of charge – while special rates are available to state enterprise subsidiaries, ITSA members and subscribers to Tax Stamp & Traceability News.
Further discounts apply for early registration – ends on 18 February 2022
Malta has specific COVID-19 entry requirements for certain countries. Please ensure that you have checked these before completing your registration.
Standard Delegate
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
EUR 2,070
EUR 2,300
State Enterprise Delegate
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
EUR 1,400
EUR 1,555
State Enterprise Delegate – Applies to 100% state-owned enterprises, such as printers, systems integrator or other suppliers. State enterprises that subscribe to Tax Stamp & Traceability News are also entitled to an additional 10% discount
Subscriber to Tax Stamp & Traceability News
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
EUR 1,870
EUR 2,070
Subscriber to Tax Stamp & Traceability News – Includes a 10% discount on the standard delegate rate
ITSA Member
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
EUR 1,650
EUR 1,840
ITSA Member – Includes a 20% discount on the standard delegate rate
Government First Two Delegates
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
Free of charge
Free of charge
Government Delegate (Revenue Authorities) – Applies to representatives from revenue, customs , enforcement and other government agencies – at a federal, national, state or provincial level
Government Additional Delegate
Ends 18 Feb 2022
After 18 Feb 2022
EUR 1,035
EUR 1,150
Government Delegate (Revenue Authorities) – Applies to representatives from revenue, customs , enforcement and other government agencies – at a federal, national, state or provincial level
Pre-Conference Workshop Fees
There is an additional charge to attend our pre-conference workshop. Government delegates can attend for FREE.
All Other Delegates
Pre-Conference Workshop
EUR 280