A new software platform has been launched by the winner of a Scottish innovation challenge programme to better manager the registration process for tobacco and vape retailers across the country.
Edinburgh-based Zudu has developed the nationwide ePass system to allow easier verification of sellers and enforcement of regulations by Trading Standards and local authority officers.
The tech company won a Scottish Government CivTech innovation and tech accelerator contract to tackle the challenge of building a ‘modern, digital first method’ to manage historic licensing for tobacco products.
It will host the Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Register and is initially being rolled out to 10,000 retailers with plans to onboard over 15,000 vape and tobacco retailers on the register in the next month.
The ePass system allows end-users to update records and comply with legislation, while Trading Standards and local council officials can securely validate data and search the platform to confirm registration.
James Buchan, CEO of Zudu, said: “As laid out by the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Vaping Framework, the nation is set to become a tobacco-free generation by 2034. Our robust system helps enforce these regulations where it truly matters – protecting future generations.
“The ePass team is proud to work alongside forward-thinking teams to position Scotland as a leader in digital transformation, delivering real benefits for both citizens and businesses.”
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto welcomed the new modernised website, which is accessed securely via the Scottish Government’s ScotAccount service.
She said: “This new system aims to enhance data quality – ultimately enabling better enforcement of regulations on those selling tobacco and vapes which ensure young people under 18 cannot access these age-restricted products.
“While most retailers comply with the law, this up-to-date database is more accurate and can be more easily checked.
“The system will also provide retailers with information on any changes to the law made through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is under consideration at the UK Parliament.”
Alexandra Connell, chair of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland (SCOTSS), said: “The Tobacco (and NVP) seller register was a great help to local authority trading standards services when it was introduced in 2011, and we are very supportive of this redevelopment work that should bring improvements in the quality of data available to enforcement officers with a much more modern and robust feel, that still makes it easy for sellers to register.”
Future developments of the product are planned to build a two-way communication centre between retailers and the government and an e-learning platform to educate retailers on legislation changes and how they can comply.
