Mozambique’s Tax Authority (AT) has strengthened its capacity for goods control and inspection by distributing 63 mobile phones equipped with advanced tools for verifying and tracking fiscal stamps. The initiative aims to combat product counterfeiting — particularly in the alcoholic beverage sector, which is especially vulnerable to illicit production and the sale of fake products — according to the Lusa news agency.
In an official statement, the AT announced the launch of a new electronic program called the “Insight System,” designed to monitor and track fiscal control stamps. These stamps are mandatory on certain products to ensure their legality and quality in the market.
Miguel Nhane, coordinator of the Sealing Unit for Alcoholic Beverages and Manufactured Tobacco, said this innovation “comes as part of the continuous improvement” of the fiscal sealing program, which now includes a new generation of stamps, with a digital seal being the key innovation. “The introduction of mobile phones as the main tool for verifying and tracking stamps is a significant step in the fight against product counterfeiting and tax fraud,” he emphasized.
The AT stressed the importance of ongoing and effective inspection efforts, particularly regarding the entry of unstamped products into the country. According to the statement, “there have been cases where counterfeit or unidentified stamps have been found on goods that were not legally imported.”
This type of illegality, the AT pointed out, “can be effectively tackled through stricter inspections and the use of new tracking technologies.” The measure is part of a broader set of initiatives by the AT to modernize inspection in the country, enhance market security, and protect both consumers and legitimate producers.
The introduction of the digital tracking system also aims to improve transparency and efficiency in monitoring goods circulating at borders and within the country.
The AT emphasized that the use of this technology “is essential not only for combating the counterfeiting of alcoholic beverages and tobacco but also for the country’s economic security,” as it helps reduce tax losses caused by counterfeit products.
Source: DE
