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From October this year, the Sultanate of Oman will levy a 50 per cent tax on sweetened beverages, announced Sultan Al Habsi, chairman of the country’s Tax Authority.
This means that ready-to-drink beverages containing added sugar or sweeteners or any form of sugar will attract 50 per cent sugar excise tax. Canned juices, fruit drinks, sports drinks, caffeine drinks and tea will come under the new tax.
But 100 per cent natural fruit juices, milk and its derivatives containing not less than 75 per cent milk and labaan (buttermilk) are excluded. Nutritional supplements, drinks for dietary and medical use also do not come under the tax net.
As in other GCC states, Oman levied a 100 per cent tax on alcohol, tobacco and energy drinks last year.
