The General Tax Authority in cooperation with the relevant authorities, conducted an inspection campaign at a number of commercial establishments to verify their compliance with the Excise Tax Law and the regulations governing the circulation of excise goods.

The campaign identified violations at several retail outlets, including the sale of tobacco products without approved tax stamps and excise goods not authorised for sale. More than 200 kilograms of tobacco products were seized and confiscated, while relevant licences, documents and records were also inspected.

The GTA’s Anti-Tax Evasion team took the necessary measures against the non-compliant outlets and documented the violations to initiate the prescribed legal proceedings.

Tax stamps are distinctive markings affixed to excise goods covered by the tax stamp system to confirm payment of the tax due and verify that the goods may be legally traded. Trading these goods without approved tax stamps is prohibited under the provisions and procedures set out in the applicable legislation.

The GTA reaffirmed its commitment to continuing inspection campaigns, in cooperation and coordination with the relevant authorities, to strengthen market oversight and combat the illicit trade in excise goods, helping improve compliance with tax legislation and protect public health. The Authority also urged importers of cigarettes and other tobacco products to register on the “Dhareeba” platform under the excise goods track-and-trace system, noting that the import or circulation of any excise goods within the country is not permitted without valid and activated excise stamps, and comply with the relevant laws and executive regulations to avoid legal action.