The Federal Tax Authority has said unflavoured, carbonated water will not be taxed as part of changes that were introduced this week.

It clarified on Tuesday that the tax covered "all aerated beverages with the exception of non-flavoured aerated water".

Carbonated drinks are taxed at 50 percent and tobacco products and energy drinks at 100 percent as of October 1.

The FTA has requested that producers or importers of goods likely to be subject to Excise Tax, including energy drinks, carbonated drinks and tobacco products, inform the FTA through its website of brands that should be added to the list.

_______________

Read more:

UAE supermarkets facing huge demand ahead of excise tax

Departing airport passengers won't pay tobacco tax, Dubai Duty Free says

Tax in the UAE: Everything you need to know about VAT and a little bit more

_______________

"The registration process for Excise Tax is well on track and we now have an extensive database of excise taxable persons," said Khalid Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA.

"The FTA continues to receive applications for registration through our website, and we have already started receiving import declarations.

“We encourage all institutions that are subject to Excise Tax, as per the law, to register through the website, where, in addition to conducting their transactions seamlessly, they can gain access to a wealth of information, learn their rights and obligations and ensure that their organisations are protected from penalties."

Mr Al Bustani said that fixing the prices of products for retail is not within the jurisdiction of the FTA, but is the duty of other departments to monitor the prices according to the mechanism set out in the Federal laws.

Energy drinks include beverages that may contain stimulants or substances that induce mental or physical stimulation, including caffeine, taurine, ginseng and guarana, as well as any substances with similar effects.