Japan introduces smart-cards, called to prevent purchase of cigarettes by minors.

According to calculations, in Japan there are more than half million of devices selling tobacco goods. It is planned, that all of them will be equipped with special reading devices. Only owners of smarts-cards will be able to get cigarettes.

Cards named taspo will be free-of-charge. However for this purpose it is necessary to fill in special forms available in tobacco shops. The filled questionnaires together with copies of the identification card should be sent by mail to supervising body. The smart-card with a photo of the owner will be sent within two weeks from the date of documents’ sending.

The first devices, which will sell cigarettes only to owners of smarts - cards, will appear in Japan already on March, 1, 2008.

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