RMC No. 51-2016 — Informs the public on the availability of mobile application to authenticate internal revenue stamps on cigarettes

BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE PURFAU OF ISTERNAL RFVENUE RECCRES MGT. FIVISION RECEIVF APR 2 8 2016 1+ 1:544.M MX 9M

Quezon City

April 12, 2016

REVENUE MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 5/- 20/1

SUBJECT Availability of Mobile Application to Authenticate Internal Revenue

Stamps on Cigarettes

TO All internal Revenue Officers and Others Concerned

Stamp Verifier app, that will enable the user to determine the authenticity of the internal revenue This Circular is issued to inform the public of the availability of a mobile application known as

stamps affixed to locally manufactured cigarettes intended for domestic consumption as well as imported cigarettes required under Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 7-2014 as amended by RR Nos. 8 and 9-2014 and 9-2015. The use of this mobile app will provide the public with a tool in identifying smuggled and counterfeit cigarettes proliferating in the country.

What is Stamp Verifier app?

Stamp Verifier app is an Android and iOS application for BIR and public use to verify the validity of QR code of the stamp affixed on a cigarette pack. QR Code, one of the security features of the stamp, refers to a two-dimensional bar code that holds information relative to the product to which the stamp is affixed, including a Unigue Identifier Code (UIC) which is a code or serial number that represents an internal revenue stamp.

R What are the minimum technical requirements needed to download a Stamp Verifier

app

The following are the device requirements for the application:

ios Android iOS 8 and above Android 4.0.3 (lce Cream Sandwich MR1) and above

With Internet Connection via Wi-fi or Mobile Data With Internet Connection via Wi-fi or Mobile Data

Enabled Location Services Enabled Location Services

Apple account Google Account Note that the performance of the app may be attributed to the speed of the internet

connection and the quality of the unit's built-in camera. x 2 1-201

> How to download and install the Stamp Verifier app?

Store free of charge. The Stamp Verifier app may be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple's App

For Android.

C Go to Google Play Store

Search for the Stamp Verifier app Tap the icon of the app. Tap Install to initiate the instailation. Tap Accept.

I. For ios:

Tap the icon of the app Go to App Store: Search for the Stamp Verifier app.

If asked, enter your Apple ID password. Tap Get then Install to initiate the installation.

How to use the Stamp Verifier app?

For Android:

Enable location services in Settings. Connect to a Wi-Fi or turn on Mobile Data

Locate and tap the Stamp Verifier app on your device

Hold and point the camera of the phone perpendicular to the QR Code To start scanning a QR Code, tap Scan. Place the QR Code within the rectangular frame. if there is poor lighting, turn on the camera flash.

When a QR code is fully detected, a corresponding scan result will display: Orange/Yellow dots will appear when parts of the QR code is detected Focus the camera where the dots are most visible. ii. "Invalid QR Code" i."Valid for UIC: <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>"

When the 20-second timer elapses from the time the camera is opened and there is no QR code detected, a message "no QR code detected" will

To try again, tap Scan otherwise, tap Exit to close the app. the back button. appear and the user will be advised to go back to the main page by pressing

I. For ios

Connect to a Wi-Fi or turn on Mobile Data. Enable location services in Settings. Locate and tap the Stamp Verifier app on your device. To start scanning a QR Code, tap Scan. Hold and point the camera of the phone perpendicular to the QR Code When a QR code is fully detected, a corresponding scan result will display

BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE RECORDS MGT DIVISION H:54AM

APR 28 2015

M RECTIVEU

ii. "Invalid QR Code" i."Valid for UC: <xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

there is no QR code detected, a message "no QR code detected" will be When the 20-second timer elapses from the time the camera is opened and

displayed, tap OK. To try again, tap Scan.

> What does "Invalid QR Code" mean?

in the database of UiCs corresponding to the stamp already issued nor does it match the Cigarette packs scanned with "Invalid QR Code" contains a UIC which is neither

corresponding data elements, concluding that these are either smuggled or counterfeit cigarettes.

IRSIS Mobile App Web Service for monitoring and evaluation purposes. The information retrieved thru scanning shall automatically be uploaded to the

persons responsible for the manufacture/sale of these cigarette packs. A separate Thereafter, BIR, based on the evaluated information, shall institute actions on

Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) shall be issued for the purpose.

All concerned are hereby enjoined to give this Circular as wide a publicity as possible.

KIM S.JACINTO-HENARES Commissioner of Internal Revenue

BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE 040735

RECORDS MGT. DIVSION

APR 2'8 2016 I: S4 A. M

UM D-6 RECFIVEI