If you are a processor of cannabis products, or a manufacturer or importer of tobacco or vaping products, you need to know that excise stamps need to be affixed a certain way to the product’s packaging. The stamp’s needs to be affixed to the packaging in all of the following ways
•in a conspicuous place on the package
•in a manner that seals the package
•in a manner that the stamp remains affixed to the package after the package is opened
•in a manner that does not interfere with the stamp’s security features, and
•in a manner that does not obstruct any information required by or under an Act of Parliament to appear on that package
That means that if a consumer opens the top or opening of the packaging, and none of the stamp would remain when the packaging is later closed by them, it is not complaint. Care should be made to ensure the *entirety* of the stamp remains affixed to the package when opened when possible to do so while also complying with the other requirements.
And this also means that if your stamp does not “seal” the package it is non-compliant. This generally means that the stamp should cover the part of the packaging that is first opened by the customer in order to access the product.
I’ve seen examples particularly on the cannabis market where these requirements are not being followed, and it could be grounds for a CRA audit or a part of a finding during a future audit.
