Ask the Collective

What is the process and timeline for getting HMRC duty stamp codes incorporated into label artwork?

HMRC duty stamp incorporation requires coordination between you, HMRC, and your label printer, and typically takes 2–3 weeks total. **Process overview:** - Register with HMRC to obtain your duty stamp codes - HMRC will send you a disc containing your registered codes - Pass your artwork (with the duty stamp code and number incorporated) to your label printer - Printers can typically print within 10 days of receiving final artwork **Recommended printers:** - **Label Apeel** (Leicester) — Members report they are "very good", competitively priced, and offer quality work. Ask for Craig Goodman. Multiple members confirmed they use them and describe them as "a very nice gang". **Timeline:** Expect 2–3 weeks from HMRC sending you the disc to receiving printed labels, depending on how quickly HMRC processes your registration and how you coordinate artwork handoff.