The UAE is stepping up its fight against illicit trade with record seizures — and GS1 standards are playing a key role.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has seized more than 17.6 million counterfeit and non-compliant excise goods in the first half of 2025, as part of a nationwide crackdown to protect consumers and safeguard the market.
The confiscated products — including tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other excisable items — were found to be counterfeit, unregistered, or in violation of regulatory requirements. The enforcement drive involved targeted field inspections, intelligence-led investigations, and collaboration with other government bodies.
While such large-scale seizures underscore the UAE’s robust enforcement measures, GS1 UAE believes that stopping illicit trade before it enters the market is equally critical.
Unique product identification, real-time traceability, and transparent supply chain data are essential for preventing illegal goods from slipping through the cracks. GS1 standards allow brands, retailers, and authorities to work together more effectively in tackling the issue.
Digital Tax Stamps: GS1 Standards at Work
The UAE took a major step toward smarter compliance in 2019, when the Federal Tax Authority adopted GS1 standards to power digital tax stamps for tobacco products.
These secure, scannable stamps help track excisable goods from the point of production to the point of sale — making it easier to detect illegal items and verify authenticity instantly.
BrandSync: Strengthening Compliance Across Industries
Every excisable and non-excisable product registered with the FTA first passes through GS1 UAE’s BrandSync platform. This ensures:
- Regulatory approval before products enter the market
- Standardized, high-quality product data for authorities and businesses
- Full interoperability across the supply chain
This integrated approach not only reinforces compliance but also helps businesses operate more efficiently and transparently.
Building a Secure, Digitally Enabled Economy
As the UAE pushes forward with its vision for a secure, technology-driven economy, GS1 UAE remains committed to supporting regulators, industries, and consumers.
Global standards are the backbone of smarter, tech-enabled systems that protect consumer trust and keep counterfeit goods out of the market. With enforcement and prevention working hand-in-hand, the UAE is strengthening its defences against illicit trade — and setting an example for the region.