Thank you to our Sponsors
Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum 2022 Malta – A Review
The Tax Stamp and Traceability Forum™ (TSTF) returned as an in-person event in May 2022 with 194 registrants from 99 organisations and 35 countries.
Access to the presentations is limited to TSTF 2022 attendees, please use the password which was provided by the [email protected]
These figures are slightly lower than previous years, reflecting both a recovery in conference attendance and the challenges facing some delegates in getting into Malta because of COVID-related restrictions.
The conference was organised into eight sessions spanning two full days plus a pre-conference workshop day. With refreshments served in an exhibition with 23 booths there was ample time for meetings and discussions. A number of key themes emerged in the presentations and exhibits at the conference, and these are summarised hereunder.
Digital security printing
Digital security printing emerged as a key theme at TSTF 2022, with both a conference session and a pre-conference workshop. With an exhibition presence and presentations from HP Indigo Secure, Komori, De La Rue JetSecure, Luminescence Sun Chemical Security, and Xeikon, the field was well represented. Integration of digital security printing into a secure workflow was also covered in presentations by the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) and Jura.
It was noted in one presentation that digital is ‘a world to discover’, and from the wide range of systems on show this did seem to be the case. To counter this, another presentation noted that ‘trust is needed on top of technology’. TSTF 2022 proved to be a good forum to explore these issues and the breadth of digital security printing solutions that are available for programmes to support excise taxation.
TSTF 2022 extended this topic into digital marking where it was noted in presentations by SICPA and OPTEL that different solutions may be needed for tax stamps and direct marking. This breadth of solutions was illustrated with reference to novel materials for taggants by Stardust Materials and Quantum Base. In this case, these materials can be incorporated into inks for both analogue and digital printing.
Physical/digital solutions
The combination of physical and digital features was another key theme for TSTF 2022. A case study describing the tax stamp solution of Liberia, a relatively new user of this technology, was given by Madras Security Printers, where an element of digital verification is associated with physical tools and devices. The Liberia programme also has a component of population preparation – ‘how much stakeholder engagement is too much?’ is a great proposition.
In terms of features, QR codes were covered by U-NICA and Securikett, visible digital seals by LEONHARD KURZ and Securikett/Advanced Track & Trace, and physically unclonable functions by U-NICA.

Smartphones for verification
Country solutions featuring smartphones were presented for Georgia, Chile, Portugal (presented by the International Tax Stamp Association) and Malta (presented by OpSec Security). As presented by Madras Security Printers, in Liberia the smartphone is a compelling platform as 80% of the population has access to a basic smartphone but only 40% has internet access.
Company solutions were presented by De La Rue, OPTEL, KURZ, Jura, Nanografix and SICPA, illustrating the breadth of alternatives available for tax stamp and traceability programmes.
One element of the use of smartphones for authentication explored at TSTF 2022 was their use across inspectors and consumers. Substantial examples were presented on their use for inspectors and the evidence here appears compelling. Contrary to this, there was little evidence presented of significant use by consumers.
Other electronic technologies
In addition to the smartphone platform, other electronic technologies featured strongly at TSTF 2022. For cannabis solutions in particular, Metrc cited the use of RFID to control the whole value chain, whereas SICPA emphasised the importance of marking retail packaging with secure stamps featuring a QR code for smartphone interaction, which provides access to relevant documentation and certificates, secured via a blockchain.
Blockchain/distributed ledger solutions also featured in presentations by Securikett and Quantum Base. This topic opened out into presentations on artificial intelligence and machine learning from OPTEL and Internet of Things from KURZ.

Sustainability
Sustainability was noted as a driver in a number of presentations, notably those of OPTEL, Securikett, Alan Hodgson Consulting and ASPA. Sustainability has become a strong political and social driver to industry and ours will be no exception. A number of relevant technologies featured in this debate.
Direct marking was noted as having the additional benefit of contributing to sustainability – printed barcodes can be used not just for track and trace solutions but to also contribute to sustainability by marking the packaging for recycling.
The topic of recycling was also mentioned from a digital perspective, where tags embedded in or placed on a product can be used to identify the materials used in packaging.
International standards
The benefits of participation and the relevance of international standards in the tax stamp and traceability market was the subject of significant discussion both from conference presentations and in the exhibition. Various aspects of these were covered by Securikett, Kenya Revenue Authority, KURZ, Alan Hodgson Consulting and Reconnaissance International. Some of the key standards pertinent to our industry are due for review in 2023 and delegates were reminded to look out for the commencement of this process.
Extension into other areas
The conference cited many other market sectors that could benefit from tax stamp and traceability programmes. Some are already under way at country level and others are in the planning stage. TSTF 2022 proved to be a great forum for the exchange of ideas and relevant case studies in this area.
The debate on extension was started by Nicola Sudan as Conference Director at the beginning of the conference and continued by OpSec Security when describing the Malta tax stamp programme. Following on from this, SICPA, ASPA, and Kenya Revenue Authority described further ideas on extension for revenue enhancement.
Throughout TSTF 2022, ideas were shared on areas of extension ranging from cement to sugar, but out of these ideas two specific areas kept reappearing. The revenue opportunities from cannabis products were the subject of an entire session in the Forum and they were described as ‘an industry in search of normal’. Vaping was described by the Canadian Bank Note Company as set to be as big an opportunity as cannabis.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) also deserves a mention here as it featured in a number of debates, notably with presentations by De La Rue and SICPA.
Collaborative working
Supporting and initiating collaborations is one of the deliverables of meetings such as TSTF 2022 and after a long gap there was a palpable sense of these being built into discussions in and around the forum sessions. Presentations from the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Jura/HP Indigo Secure collaboration illustrated these well. It will be interesting to see what further programmes come out of these debates.
The sharing of information is another deliverable from these events. The University of Cape Town presented an economic model that creates a cost/benefit analysis in financial terms that is transferrable to other markets. This sharing of relevant information is what a forum is all about.
Networking
After a long gap caused by the pandemic, the community present at TSTF 2022 was ready to meet again in person for real face-to-face discussions. There were multiple opportunities for networking at this meeting, opportunities that were much missed over the last few years. The exhibition, lunches and receptions were well attended as delegates took advantage of these.
The exhibition, in particular, gave the opportunity to touch, feel and see actual solutions, materials and print. For the younger members of our community, this was seen as a key learning experience. It also reinforced the sense of trust that comes from face-to-face interaction, the basis for future collaborations.
With refreshments and lunches sponsored by Jura/HP Indigo Secure, receptions sponsored by SICPA, Madras Security Printers and KURZ, and an outdoor conference dinner sponsored by OpSec Security, the networking was well supported. As noted by Conference Director Nicola Sudan, these opportunities bring a renewed sense of connection with the industry.
It was announced at the end of the conference that the next Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum will be held in Tbilisi, Georgia in September 2023.
Hungarian Banknote
Optel Group
Rwanda Revenue Authority
Gallery
Click on any picture to see the full gallery.
Portuguese Mint – Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda
Botswana Revenue Authority
De la Rue
Attendees
Advanced Track & Trace
France
Afghanistan Revenue Department
Afghanistan
Alan Hodgson Consulting
UK
Angstrom Technologies, Inc
USA
ApiraSol
Germany
Ashton Potter
USA
Authentix
USA
Baldwin Vision Systems
USA
Bundesdruckerei
Germany
Canadian Bank Note Company
Canada
Cartor Security Printing
France
Centro Interamericano de Administraciones Tributarias
Panama
Chan Wanich Security Printing
Thailand
Crane Currency
USA
D&H Sahar Impex
India
De La Rue
UK
Dentsu Tracking
Switzerland
Domino
UK
Drewsen Spezialpapiere
Germany
Excise Department
Thailand
Flint Group
Belgium
FMA Secure
Chile
Garsu Pasaulis
Lithuania
Georgia Revenue Service
Georgia
GTS
Germany
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen
Germany
Homsetra Optics
China
HP Indigo Secure
USA
Hungarian Banknote Printing Company
Hungary
International Tax Stamp Association
UK
Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato Italiano
Italy
Japan Tobacco International SA
Switzerland
Jordan Customs
Jordan
JT International Holding BV
Netherlands
JT International SA
Switzerland
JURA JSP
Hungary
Kenya Revenue Authority
Kenya
Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions
Switzerland
Lake Image Systems
UK
LEONHARD KURZ
Germany
Lesotho Revenue Authority
Lesotho
Liberia Revenue Authority
Liberia
Luminescence Sun Chemical Security
UK
Madras Security Printers
India
MGS Business Consultants
India
Ministry of Economy and Finance
Panama
Ministry of Finance
Poland
Ministry of Finance, Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Ministry of Finance, Ethiopia
Ethiopia
MOZAIQ Switzerland
NanoGrafix
France
Office of the Permanent Secretary
Thailand
Office of the Revenue Commissioners
Ireland
OpSec Security
UK
OPTEL Group
Canada
Pantec
Switzerland
POLAR-Mohr
Germany
PWPW
Poland
Quantum Base
UK
Rwanda Revenue Authority
Rwanda
Schwarz Druck
Germany
SCRIBOS
Germany
Securikett
Austria
Security Fibres
UK
Servicio de Impuestos Internos
Chile
SICPA
Switzerland
Smurfit Kappa Security Concepts
Ireland
Sri Lanka Customs
Sri Lanka
Stardust Materials
USA
Thai Customs Department
Thailand
The Playing Cards Factory, Excise Department, Thailand
Thailand
Thomas Greg & Sons
Colombia
U-NICA Solutions
Switzerland
Uganda Revenue Authority
Uganda
University of Cape Town
South Africa
Wista Werkzeugfertigungs
Germany
ZEISER
Germany
Kenya Revenue Authority
Manipal Technologies
Sri Lanka Customs
Programme
Access to the presentations is limited to TSTF 2022 attendees, please use the password which was provided by the [email protected]
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
09:00
Welcome and Forum Overview
Nicola Sudan
Tax Stamp & Traceability News™ (UK)
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)
14:10
Tax Stamp Developments in the Pan-Latin American Region
Francisco Mandiola
FMA Secure (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
Sponsors
Thank you to our 2022 Sponsors and Exhibitors
Many thanks to the following sponsors and exhibitors for taking part in our wonderful exhibition running alongside the conference:
Platinum – Madras Security Printers
Diamond – OpSec
Gold – Authentix, De La Rue, Jura JSP – HP Indigo Secure, SICPA, Stardust
Silver – Baldwin, KURZ, Luminescence Sun Chemical Security, OPTEL, Security Fibres UK
Exhibitors – DREWSEN SPEZIALPAPIERE, INEXTO, Lake Image – Domino, Pantec, Polar, Securikett, Thymaris, U-NICA, Wista – GTS, Xeikon, ZEISER