The General Tax Authority has confirmed that, starting next July 6, the tax on sweetened beverages will be calculated based on the sugar content in each product, as part of a trend that supports healthy lifestyles and encourages more balanced choices. The authority explained in a post on the “X” platform that this system gives the consumer a greater opportunity to adopt less sugary alternatives, which reflects positively on health and quality of life. The Authority had announced that Law No. (2) of 2026 amending some provisions of Law No. (25) of 2018 regarding excise tax will enter into force as of next July 6.
She added that the most prominent amendments to the law are:
– Adding sugar-sweetened beverages to the list of excise goods subject to tax (such as: soft drinks and juices that contain added sugar).
– Implementing a new mechanism to calculate the excise tax on sweetened beverages, based on a graduated volumetric model, whereby the tax is calculated based on the amount of sugar or sweeteners in each size of the product, instead of a fixed percentage of its price.
– The obligation of everyone who possesses selective goods to submit tax returns to disclose the balance or stock when the law enters into force, as well as when any new selective goods are added to the table of taxable goods.
The law will enter into force as of July 6, 2026, in order to provide the opportunity for taxpayers and manufacturers to reconcile their situations, and taxes stressed the necessity of everyone who possesses selective goods being obligated to submit tax returns to disclose balances or inventory upon the entry into force of the law through a tax platform.
The excise tax is a consumption tax that is applied to specific goods that the State of Qatar considers harmful to human health and the environment, with the aim of limiting or minimizing their consumption in order to build a healthier society.
The revenues generated from the excise tax are invested in improving public services, including hospitals, infrastructure, and education.
The excise tax also contributes to achieving the goals of the social policy of the State of Qatar within the framework of the National Vision 2030, and will help secure a sustainable future for the State of Qatar and its future generations.
The new mechanism for the excise tax on sweetened drinks is based on a graduated volumetric model, whereby the value of the tax is calculated based on the amount of sugar or sweeteners in the drinks or products subject to the tax.
The table of taxable selective goods attached to the law has also been amended to include sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks and juices that contain added sugar.
The scope of application also includes all products that can be converted into beverages and contain sugar or sweeteners, whether they are concentrates, powders, extracts, or any other similar products.
This trend comes within the framework of the state’s efforts to reduce the consumption of high-sugar products, and to motivate manufacturers to reduce the levels of sugar in their products, in a way that enhances the health of society. This mechanism also falls within the country’s strategic directions, in line with international best practices, and achieves a balance between economic and health goals.
