17 Dubai shops booked for violating excise tax rules

Dubai - Shops were found selling goods with old prices printed on them at revised rates.

As many as 17 trading establishments in Dubai have been booked by the Dubai Department of Economic Development for exploiting the excise tax implemented on carbonated and energy drinks, including selling goods with old printed prices at new rates.

An excise duty of 100 per cent was levied on tobacco products and energy drinks, while carbonated drinks were taxed at 50 per cent, from October 1 in the country.
UAE excise tax: Complete list of items affected

Tickets were issued against errant establishments after the department received eight complaints and 21 notes from consumers.

According to Arabic daily Emarat Al Youm, the violations varied between selling limited quantity of cigarettes to customers, and selling them at the amended price even before the tax came into effect.

These outlets are also said to have sold carbonated drinks at new price, despite the old price being printed on them.
UAE announces fines for tax violations

Executive Director of the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection Sector at the DED, Mohamad Ali Rashid Lootah, told Emarat Al Youm that if such offences are repeated by sales outlets, the DED will regretfully opt to make public the names of the errant shops and outlets.

Most of the complaints were received on October 1 and 2 (Sunday and Monday), the first two days of the excise tax being rolled out.

• Dubai