Oman to implement 50% tax on sweetened drinks soon

Merge 104.8  |  18 June 2020

Sweetened drinks will cost more in Oman starting from 1st of October 2020 as the government announces it will impose a 50 per cent selective tax on these products.

According to the selective tax law which was issued under the Royal Decree 23/2019, sweetened drinks are any beverages with added sugar or any of its derivatives or any other sweeteners. Also, sweetened drinks are any concentrates, powders, gel, or materials that can be converted into sweetened drinks.

The decision issued by the Tax Authority today [Thursday, June 18] included a list of products that are classified as sweetened drinks subject to taxation, including juices, fruit drinks, energy/sport drinks, canned coffee and tea products.

The list excluded some products such as 100 per cent natural fruit and vegetable juices, milk, and other dairy products that contain at least (75%) of milk, nutritional supplements, and beverages intended for special dietary and medical use.

Businesses that serve or sell sweetened beverages will now be required to submit a notification to the Tax Authority of their stock of these products and pay the tax thereon within 15 days from the start of the application of the tax to them, the statement concluded.