The launch of the state 'eExcise' system, scheduled for November 1, 2026, poses serious risks to the Ukrainian economy. If the platform does not undergo full-scale testing with all market participants, the country may face a collapse in the supply of legal products and daily budget losses of 500 million hryvnias.

This was stated by the new General Director of JTI Ukraine, Alexander Farkosh, in an interview with RBC-Ukraine. The expert warned that although less than five months remain until the official launch, the state platform is still in the active development stage.

Retail Readiness Crisis

According to the representative of the tobacco industry, the key problem is the low engagement of end-sellers. According to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, currently less than 1% of retail operators are registered in the system. Alexander Farkosh emphasizes that without retail preparation, logistics could come to a complete halt.

«If we are ready to implement the electronic excise mark, but the retail sector is not ready, the products simply will not go anywhere. If the state and all market players cannot configure all systems and processes, we are facing a collapse of the entire white market industry», — stated the General Director.

In monetary terms, such a glitch means a loss of 500 million hryvnias in budget revenues daily. This puts at risk not only tax collections but also the availability of legal goods on store shelves.

More Complex Than European Standards

The Ukrainian 'eExcise' model is based on the European Track & Trace system, which has been successfully operating in the EU since 2019. However, as Alexander Farkosh notes, the Ukrainian version is significantly more complex than its counterpart.

Unlike European practice, the Ukrainian system:

  • Additionally covers alcoholic products;
  • Includes all retail trade (tens of thousands of points);
  • Completely transfers the payment of excise duty to the electronic mark.

None of these elements are present in the current EU model. The entire supply chain must connect to the system — from manufacturers to final points of sale.

Billions in Business Costs

The implementation of new requirements forces companies to spend huge resources on adaptation. Alexander Farkosh confirmed that JTI is already investing tens of millions of hryvnias in restructuring internal processes and production to meet new labeling standards.

The situation requires an urgent solution, as launching the system without proper development could lead to a paralysis of the 'white' market and a significant outflow of funds to the shadow sector.