Nexus Wise Consultancy

Tax Services

Excise Tax in the UAE

Excise Tax registration, return filing, deregistration and dispute resolution for businesses dealing in excise goods.

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Excise Tax is levied on goods that are typically harmful to health or the environment — including tobacco products, energy drinks, carbonated drinks, sweetened drinks, and electronic smoking devices and liquids. Importers, producers and stockpilers of excise goods must register and file regular returns.

Nexus Wise handles your Excise Tax obligations end to end — from registration and accurate returns to deregistration and resolving disputes with the FTA.

Excise rates by category

Tobacco & e-smoking devices 100%
Energy drinks 100%
Carbonated drinks 50%
Sweetened drinks 50%

Rates set by the UAE Federal Tax Authority.

What we offer

Excise Tax Registration

FTA registration for importers, producers and stockpilers of excise goods.

Excise Tax Return Filing

Accurate, timely excise returns and declarations.

Excise Tax Deregistration

Deregistration when you no longer deal in excise goods.

Tax Dispute Resolution

Clarifications, reconsiderations and FTA representation on excise matters.

What’s taxed — and at what rate

  • Tobacco and tobacco products — 100%
  • Electronic smoking devices and the liquids used in them — 100%
  • Energy drinks — 100%
  • Carbonated drinks — 50%
  • Sweetened drinks with added sugar or sweeteners — 50%

Who must register

Excise registration is required before you deal in excise goods — there is no turnover threshold.

  • Importers of excise goods
  • Producers and manufacturers
  • Stockpilers holding excise goods for business
  • Warehouse keepers and designated-zone operators

Your ongoing obligations

  • Register with the FTA before importing or producing
  • File excise returns (generally monthly) and pay on time
  • Keep clear records of purchases, production, stock and sales
  • Deregister cleanly when you stop dealing in excise goods

Where we help most

  • Correct classification of each product category
  • Designated-zone movements and release calculations
  • Reconsiderations and dispute resolution with the FTA
  • Audit-ready records and accurate declarations

Why it matters

01

Correct classification

Proper treatment and rates for each category of excise goods.

02

Avoid penalties

Timely registration and filing to stay penalty-free.

03

FTA representation

We act for you on any excise dispute or query.

Frequently asked questions

Which goods are subject to Excise Tax?

Tobacco and tobacco products, electronic smoking devices and their liquids, energy drinks, carbonated drinks and sweetened drinks.

What are the excise rates?

100% on tobacco, electronic smoking devices and liquids, and energy drinks; 50% on carbonated drinks and on drinks with added sugar or sweeteners.

Who must register for Excise Tax?

Any business that imports, produces or stockpiles excise goods in the UAE, or releases them from a designated zone, must register with the FTA.

Is there a registration threshold?

No. Unlike VAT, there is no turnover threshold — you must register before importing, producing or stockpiling excise goods.

How often are excise returns filed?

Excise returns are generally filed monthly. We prepare and submit them on time and keep your records compliant.

What records do I need to keep?

Clear records of purchases, production, imports, stock movements and sales of excise goods — which we help you organise and keep audit-ready.

Can you handle excise disputes with the FTA?

Yes. We manage clarifications, reconsideration requests and represent you on any excise matter before the FTA.

Other tax services

Talk to an FTA-registered Tax Agent today

Your first consultation is free. Let’s keep your business compliant and confident.

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