Excise Tax Services
Expert Advisory & Compliance for UAE Excise Tax
Excise Tax was introduced across the UAE in 2017. It is a form of indirect tax levied on specific goods which are typically harmful to human health or the environment. These goods are referred to as "excise goods" and are governed by Federal Decree Law No. 7 of 2017 on Excise Tax.
Tax Watch Law Firm provides comprehensive excise tax advisory and compliance services to help businesses navigate their obligations and maintain full compliance with FTA regulations.
What Goods Are Subject to Excise Tax?
Excise Tax is currently applied on the following goods:
Excise Tax Rates
According to Cabinet Decision No. 52 of 2019 on Excise Goods, Excise Tax Rates and the Methods of Calculating the Excise Price.
On carbonated drinks
On tobacco products
On energy drinks
On electronic smoking devices
On liquids used in electronic smoking devices and tools
On any product with added sugar or other sweeteners
Purpose Behind Levying Excise Tax
The UAE Government levies excise tax with the following objectives:
Public Health
Reduce consumption of unhealthy and harmful commodities that negatively impact human health.
Environmental Protection
Discourage the use of products that are harmful to the environment.
Government Revenue
Raise revenues for the government that can be spent on beneficial public services.
How Will It Affect Consumers?
Consumers will need to pay more for goods that are harmful to human health or the environment. This price increase is designed to discourage consumption of these products.
Businesses Required to Register for Excise Tax
Under the UAE Federal Decree Law No. 7 of 2017 on Excise Tax, and the Cabinet Resolution Concerning the Executive Regulations, registering for excise tax is the responsibility of any business engaged in:
- Import of excise goods into the UAE
- Production of excise goods where they are released for consumption in the UAE
- Stockpiling of excise goods in the UAE in certain cases
- Anyone responsible for overseeing an excise warehouse or designated zone (warehouse keeper)
Registration Deadline
There is no registration threshold for excise tax. Any corporation intending to be involved in excise activities must register prior to commencing operations and account for excise tax accordingly.
Filing Deadline
Once registered, you are required to file your excise tax return by the 15th day following the end of each tax period through the EmaraTax platform.
How Tax Watch Law Firm Assists with Excise Tax
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is responsible for the administration, collection, and enforcement of Excise Tax. FTA has the power to conduct audits and impose penal measures on non-compliant businesses. Tax Watch Law Firm provides comprehensive support:
- Excise tax registration and compliance advisory
- Excise tax return preparation and filing with FTA
- Classification of excise goods and rate determination
- Excise warehouse and designated zone compliance
- Import and production excise tax planning
- FTA audit support and representation
- EmaraTax platform guidance and support
We ensure your business fulfills all compliance obligations while navigating the excise tax framework effectively through the EmaraTax online platform.
Ensure Full Excise Tax Compliance
Excise tax compliance is mandatory for businesses dealing with excise goods in the UAE. Tax Watch Law Firm provides expert guidance to help you register, file returns, and maintain full compliance with FTA regulations.
On Watch for Your Compliance — and Your Defense.
Get Excise Tax Advisory