Uzbekistan to impose excise tax on soda and energy drinks

Uzbekistan News Network reported on January 4 that at the end of December 2023, the President of Uzbekistan signed the "Decree on Amending and Supplementing the Tax and Budget Policy Act of Uzbekistan for 2024", deciding to impose regulations on consumer packaging starting from April 1, 2024. A consumption tax of 500 soums/liter is levied on carbonated drinks containing sweetening substances such as sugar or other flavoring substances, and a consumption tax of 2000 soums/liter on energy drinks and tonic drinks. The tax collected will be used to support the National Pharmaceutical Development Fund. ​ Previously, officials from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine have stated that excessive consumption of carbonated drinks and energy drinks has led to the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other diseases. They proposed to impose a consumption tax on sugary drinks in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization to reduce excessive consumption. ​ Carbonated ...