Call for Papers
This is your opportunity to address 250 tax stamp professionals from around the world
If you are interested in presenting a paper, please send a 200-word abstract on your proposed topic or case study by 28 November 2026.
We also welcome your thoughts on any presenters, papers or themes you would like us to include.
Topics
To get the ball rolling, some topics and questions that are top of mind, as far as we see it, include:
- Several countries are extending tax stamp and secure marking concepts beyond tobacco and alcohol to pharmaceuticals, food, fertiliser, cosmetics and other high-risk products. Are we seeing the emergence of national product marking systems rather than traditional tax stamp programmes?
- Counterfeit cigarettes now account for the largest share of Europe’s illicit tobacco market, while illegal manufacturing facilities are becoming more sophisticated and decentralised. How should governments adapt their enforcement and authentication strategies?
- Can Digital Product Passports learn from tax stamp programmes? As Digital Product Passports move towards implementation in Europe, what lessons can be drawn from secure tax stamp and authentication programmes?
- What actually delivers results? Which programmes can demonstrate measurable improvements in revenue collection, reductions in illicit trade and stronger enforcement? Which key success factors separate successful implementations from disappointing ones?
- What do inspectors really need? How do customs and tax inspectors authenticate products in the field? Are smartphones sufficient, or do enforcement officers still rely heavily on overt and forensic security features? Which technologies actually help investigators make rapid decisions?
- Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for fraud detection, inspection, predictive analytics and authentication – but it is also making counterfeiting easier. How should governments and industry respond?
Other potential topics for a paper could include:
- Market surveillance and point-of-sale monitoring programmes for helping enforcement authorities to identify illicit trade
- Practical considerations for implementing tax stamp and traceability programmes
- Tax stamp specification and tendering
- Design and integration issues
- Independent studies in illicit trade – what is currently available and where are the gaps?
- Use and relevance of the international tax stamp standard
The conference also has a specific focus on innovation and emerging technologies – so proposals for presentations on new technologies with the potential to enhance the production and protection of tax stamps are particularly welcome.
How to Submit Your Abstract and Ideas
If you wish to be considered for inclusion in the programme, please email Nicola Sudan (Programme Director) at nicola@recon-intl.com with a copy of your abstract or use the form below by 28 November 2026.
Please also send any ideas for topics to the same email address.
