Turkey to implement QR code system for tobacco age verification

Turkey's Ministry of Health and the AK Party Group Presidency are developing a new legislative draft to implement an Electronic Age Verification System (EYDS) for tobacco product sales. The initiative aims to prevent the sale of cigarettes and tobacco to minors by replacing manual ID checks with a digital QR code system.

Under the proposed model, customers will generate a dynamic QR code via official mobile applications or e-Devlet integration. When scanned by a retailer, the system will verify if the individual is over 18 without disclosing personal data such as names, full birth dates, or Turkish ID numbers to the seller. The retailer will only receive a digital confirmation message regarding age eligibility. This system is intended to protect consumer privacy and prevent identity fraud.

Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu stated that the measure is a response to data showing that approximately 73.3% of youths aged 13-15 are able to purchase tobacco products from local markets and kiosks. The regulation is expected to cover both physical retail locations, such as markets and buffets, and online sales. The government aims to implement the system within one year, following technical infrastructure completion and pilot testing.