More than 7 million products seized from UAE markets over tax violations

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has revealed a significant crackdown on products that fail to comply with the UAE's tax regulations.

During the first half of 2024, the FTA seized 7.26 million products, compared to 8.89 million in the same period last year.

The latest haul included 5.52 million packs of tobacco and related products failing to meet tax obligations, down from 7.92 million packs seized in H1 2023.

Additionally, 1.74 million units of other excise goods, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages, were confiscated, compared to 971,690 units seized in the first half of 2023.

Inspection visits in the first half of 2024 uncovered 6,210 violations, a striking 256 per cent increase from the 1,740 offences detected during the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the number of compliant establishments saw a notable rise, reaching 30,710, up from 14,540 in H1 2023.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the FTA, emphasised the authority’s intensified efforts to enhance market oversight and ensure tax compliance.

"The inspection visits carried out by the FTA rely on advanced electronic monitoring processes to prevent the sale, trade, or storage of products that do not meet Excise or Value Added Tax obligations," added Sara AlHabshi, Executive Director of the Tax Affairs Sector at the FTA.

The authority has significantly ramped up its activities, conducting 40,580 field inspections through 109 campaigns in the first six months of 2024, compared to 17,310 visits through 105 campaigns in H1 2023.

These proactive measures aim to enforce tax laws, ensure proper tax invoicing, display inclusive pricing, and address tax evasion, all while protecting consumer rights.