Cigarettes are expected to be among the first products included in a track-and-trace mechanism approved by the GST Council, with pan masala also under the consideration.
It is already in use in regions such as the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, and Turkey.
It requires manufacturers, importers, and supply chain entities to register and obtain unique IDs.
Goods are scanned and tracked electronically at every stage, from production or importation to retail.
In India, the mechanism will use Unique Identification Marking (UIM).
This UIM is affixed to products or packaging, to trace the commodities throughout the supply chain.