Over 17.6 million illegal excise goods seized in UAE

Inspectors from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) have seized more than 17.6 million illegal excise goods from across markets in the UAE during the first six months of the year, marking an increase of 144.4 per cent.

The raid uncovered products that lacked digital tax stamps and were not registered in the authority’s electronic system.

Among the confiscated items were 11.52 million tobacco products and 6.1 million goods, including soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages.

The FTA said it carried out a record of 85,500 inspections during the same period and collected AED 357.2 million in taxes and fines. 

All products have been confiscated, fines issued, and legal action taken against the violators.

The FTA said the inspections are part of ongoing efforts to tackle tax fraud and protect consumers.

Sara AlHabshi, Tax Compliance Executive Director of the Tax Affairs sector at FTA said they use advanced "digital technologies" to ensure goods "meet tax requirements for circulation in the UAE market".