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All alcohol and tobacco businesses in Ukraine must integrate eExcise, a new electronic excise stamp and traceability system, by 2026 to comply with new legislation.

ELEKS, a global software development company, was chosen by the Ukrainian government to build the country’s eExcise system.

Companies will need to prepare their systems within the tight timeline set by the government, which mandates complete integration by next year. Firms should make themselves familiar with the system’s specifications and core functionalities before the deadline and make sure they are compliant.

What is eExcise?

eExcise is designed to control the circulation of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products in Ukraine. Each bottle or pack will carry a DataMatrix code that will track the product’s journey from production to the final sale.

The system is based on Law No. 3173-IX, adopted by the Ukrainian parliament in June 2023; Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov has confirmed the system’s mandatory implementation timeline for 2026.

The law will bring Ukraine closer to the European Union, as it complies with all key requirements of European directives against illegal tobacco sales. A similar system, “Tobacco Track & Trace,” has been in place in EU countries since 2019.

Like the “Tobacco Track & Trace,” the eExcise system will help Ukraine protect both businesses and consumers, as licensed producers will be able to mark products as genuine directly at the production stage. 

What eExcise does: Essential features explained

• Electronic stamp generation: Each product is marked with a unique, secure, and unforgeable digital DataMatrix-based code that replaces traditional paper stamps. 
• End-to-end traceability: The journey of a product through the supply chain is recorded in real time, from the moment it is manufactured or imported to its final destination with the consumer. 
• Activation protocol management: The system controls the full life of each digital excise stamp, activating the stamp after the product is made and deactivating it when the product is sold.
• Electronic document flow: The system organises and manages digital documents that record detailed information about the product’s movement and tax status at each step.

Key benefits of the eExcise system for alcohol and tobacco businesses

• Combat black-market sales: Government agencies, distributors, and buyers will be able to instantly verify each product. This stops counterfeit and undeclared goods from reaching the market and makes it easier for consumers to be confident in the products. 
• Empower consumers: The Diia mobile lets buyers scan  product to confirm their legal status and origin.
• End-to-end monitoring: Businesses can connect their existing software, like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, directly to the eExcise platform. This allows them to manage every step of the production process, from ordering stamps to reporting product movements and submitting excise documents digitally, one place, rather than using paper or manual processes.
• Improve tracing: Producers and importers will be able to generate electronic excise stamps with DataMatrix codes and apply them to every bottle of alcohol or pack of cigarettes they produce. Retailers must then ensure end-to-end traceability throughout the supply chain.

 eExcise system beta launch 

The beta version of the eExcise system was launched in March 2025, giving companies time to prepare for the eExcise system implementation. 

The rollout will follow a phased approach:

• March 2025 – December 2025: Pilot phase launch with voluntary participation for market players to test and familiarise themselves with the system.
• January 2026 onwards: The system becomes mandatory for all producers, importers, and sellers of alcohol and tobacco products in Ukraine.

The following features can be tested during the trial period: 

• Registration of enterprises and users within the electronic system. 
• Access control for representatives of economic operators. 
• Ordering unique identifiers for domestic products and recording information about imported goods from the EU. 
• Integration with state registers. 
• API available for testing integration with economic operators’ existing ERP systems. 

Early preparation and testing will help reduce the risk of problems or non-compliance when the system becomes mandatory in January.

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The launch of eExcise represents Ukraine’s commitment to modernising its economy and laying down the foundations for future growth. It is a shift toward transparency and control in the alcohol and tobacco sectors. 

Businesses that take the time now to adapt their systems and workflows will be better positioned for a smooth transition in 2026, avoiding last-minute pressure and potential disruptions.