Qatar’s Excise Tax Law: Key Rules & Compliance

Qatar introduced an excise tax under Law No. 25 of 2018, effective 1 January 2019, to target harmful goods and support its public health goals.

Goods Subject to Excise Tax

• Tobacco and derivatives: 100%
• Energy drinks: 100%
• Carbonated (soft) drinks: 50%
• Special purpose goods: 100%

Who Is Liable

Businesses that import, produce, or store excisable goods must register with the General Tax Authority (GTA).
If you operate a “tax warehouse,” you can store these goods under a suspended-tax regime until they’re released for consumption.

Penalties

Non-compliance can lead to up to 1 year in prison and/or fines of up to 3× the tax owed.
The GTA enforces these rules strongly to ensure compliance.

Strategic Impact

• Public health: Discourages use of harmful products.
• Business: Important for pricing, supply-chain planning, and record-keeping.
• Compliance: A clear reason to register early and manage tax warehouse operations smartly.

Conclusion

Qatar’s excise tax targets toxic goods like tobacco and energy drinks. Producers, importers, and warehouse operators must register with GTA — non-compliance brings serious penalties.

Disclaimer: The Content offer general guidance and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no guarantee is provided for completeness or applicability to individual situations. Users are responsible for their interpretation and actions based on this information, at their own risk. 

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