As reported by ITAR-TASS, the authorities thus intend to block access to cigarettes for underage citizens.
The final stage of preparation for the transition to the new cigarette sales system began in February. Tobacco shops started accepting applications for cards with a microchip. They are issued free of charge after filling out a special form and providing a copy of an identification document.
According to the Japan Tobacco Association, 6 million 410 thousand people have already received plastic cards, i.e., about 24.6% of smokers.