FTA carries out awareness, inspection campaigns

Authorities in the UAE are taking steps to make sure that local suppliers are complying with tobacco Digital Tax Stamp scheme.

They've conducted two awareness and inspection campaigns in the first month since the ban on selling cigarettes not bearing the stamp went into effect.

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) said several violations were detected in August in a campaign that included 20 inspection trips conducted in all seven emirates.

The system involves electronically monitoring tobacco products to ensure that sellers fully comply with the payment of excise tax.

Authorities say it helps them combat tax evasion and protect consumers from commercial fraud.