Excise Tax

Overview of Excise Tax

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Excise Tax in UAE is an indirect tax. This means the financial burden of the tax is ultimately borne by the end consumer of the goods it applies to.

 

The system is consumption based, meaning any goods that are intended to be consumed in the UAE are subject to this tax.

 

For Pakistani businesses planning to operate in this sector, it's important to know that Excise Tax was introduced in UAE on 1st October 2017.

 

The tax targets "Excise Goods" which are products that are harmful to human health or the environment.

At the time of introduction, the following goods were subject to excise tax at the rates mentioned below:

Initial Excise Goods and Tax Rates

Excise Goods
Excise Tax Rates
Carbonated Drinks
50%
Energy Drinks
100%
Tobacco and Tobacco Products
100%

Extended Scope (Cabinet Decision No.52 of 2019)

Excise Goods
Excise Tax Rates
Electronic Smoking Devices
100%
Liquids used in Electronic Smoking Devices
100%
Sweetened Drinks
50%

The introduction of Excise Tax in the UAE is with the purpose of discouraging the consumption of products which are unhealthy for mankind.

Who Should Register for Excise Tax in UAE?

As per Federal Decree-Law No. 7 of 2017, any Pakistani business involved in the following activities is required to register for Excise Tax in UAE and comply with all the related regulations;

 

Importers who bring excise goods into the UAE.

 

Producers or manufacturers of excise goods in UAE

 

Any business that stockpiles excise goods under certain conditions.

 

Warehouse keepers or operators who store excise goods.

When to register for Excise Tax in UAE?

Unlike VAT which has a specific revenue threshold for registration, UAE Excise Tax registration has no minimum turnover requirement. For a Pakistani business, this means you need to register as soon as you plan to do any of the above activities. The application for registration needs to be submitted through the EmaraTax portal which is managed by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

Documents Required for Excise Tax Registration?

Legal documents of the company.

Identification documents of authorized signatory of the entity, shareholders or partners

Business details

List of Excise Goods the entity is dealing.

Bank Account details

Customs registration details, if applicable.

Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses

How to calculate Excise Tax?

The Excise Tax you need to calculate is either 50% or 100% depending on the product. This rate is applied on the retail selling price as determined by FTA or designated price whichever is higher

When to file Excise Tax Returns in UAE?

Excise Tax returns in UAE are to be filed on a monthly basis. For your business, this means once a tax period ends you have 15 days to submit the tax return and pay the tax if any is due

Product Listing with Federal Tax Authority

In cases where products that fall under the definition of 'Excise Goods' are not yet listed with FTA in UAE, an application needs to be made to add them to the list. For example, this would apply to a new prototype of an Electronic Smoking Device

Refund of Excise Tax

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In certain cases the excise tax paid can be refunded through a formal application to FTA. For example:
 

An importer pays excise tax when bringing raw tobacco into the UAE for manufacturing purposes. Since excise tax is also due on the final manufactured cigarettes, the tax already paid on the imported raw materials can be claimed as a refund.

 

Excise tax has already been paid on goods that are eventually exported to a market outside UAE. Since excise tax is based on consumption within the country, a refund is available for goods not consumed in the UAE.

Our Services in Excise Tax

Excise Tax registration

Excise Tax return filings

Excise tax compliances

Excise Tax refund application

Product listing in FTA website

Why Choose Us?

 
Individual Approach
We understand that every Pakistani business is unique. When it comes to excise tax consultation there is no one size fits all solution. Our services are tailored to meet your business needs in the UAE
 
Professional Team
Our team consists of experienced professionals who have in-depth knowledge in this field. They can advise you on registering your company and how to comply with UAE laws to avoid any penalties
 
Quick Services
We respond quickly to all your taxation requirements. Our tax experts are always up to date with the latest amendments in the law and can provide precise solutions based on the latest regulations

Service Spectrum

For Pakistani businesses Flyingcolour® Tax Consultant and J N J Auditing LLC offers a range of services. This includes accounting and bookkeeping, tax services, auditing, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) and anti-money laundering compliance, tax residency certificate, payroll management. We also offer excise tax services, other compliance support and virtual CFO services all delivered through our team of experts in a bundled and customized manner as per your needs.

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