Are you also about to switch to reading DotCode in your work with tobacco products? Are you ready for it?

The newly introduced European Union Tobacco Products Directive provides for the labelling of tobacco products to make it easy to traceability and reduce the circulation of products that do not comply with the Directive and other tobacco control legislation. Each individual packet of cigarettes or individual packets of tobacco will therefore have to bear a unique identifier.

The systems must be in place by 20 May 2019 for cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco and 20 May 2024 for all other tobacco products.

Why use DotCode?

The data carrier can be either a 2D code - Datamatrix - or a dot code - DotCode.

Given that this code can only be printed during packaging on the production line, such identification can be problematic. This 2D symbology has been designed for high-speed printing directly onto products, either by inkjet or laser beam. The main advantage of the dot code application is the ability to print it in legible quality at speeds of up to 2000 products per minute.

Other advantages of DotCode

flexibility - the code does not have to be only square, but also rectangular like other 2D codes
High error correction capability - the code has been designed to tolerate missing or misplaced dots/dots without sacrificing reading integrity
the number of characters is theoretically unlimited
Supports GS1 standards

DotCode is not only found in the tobacco industry, it can also be found in the pharmaceutical industry or in the beverage industry. It is therefore clear that when buying a new reader, it is important to consider whether or not the DotCode can read. It is likely that sooner or later this ability will come in handy. Especially when the price is no different from those that can't.

From our portfolio we recommend the following terminals:

In the case of code readers, we recommend the following models:

Honeywell Xenon 1950 HD USB cable reader
Zebra DS3678 wireless industrial reader
Honeywell Solaris 7980G desktop reader
Honeywell Genesis MK7580 desktop reader
Ring Scanner Honeywell 8670

Watch the DotCode reading test using the CipherLab RK25 mobile terminal

Please contact us, we will be happy to help you choose the right device.

Finally,there is another motive for the end seller to have such a reader. The central registry will verify that the cigarettes purchased are from a legal source.

For more information on tobacco traceability, click HERE.