12 September 2026 · Dubai F&B
What the Sugar Tax Means for Dubai F&B
For Dubai F&B importers, cafés and producers, the 2026 tiered sugar tax rewards lower-sugar products and penalises high-sugar ones through a per-litre charge. The practical impact is on product selection, reformulation, pricing and — critically — certifying each product's sugar content to avoid the default top tier. Importers under the VAT threshold may still have to register for excise, so the tax reaches smaller Dubai operators too.
Exiloz Management & Tax Consultant · Dubai-based FTA-focused advisory · VAT, corporate tax & accounting
Reformulate and select
Lower sugar means lower tax.
- Favour drinks under 5g/100ml.
- Reformulate high-sugar lines.
- Model the per-litre cost by tier.
- Reprice where needed.
Certify and register
Paperwork saves money.
- Certify each product's sugar content.
- Avoid the default top tier.
- Register for excise if you import/stock.
- Keep inventory and movement records.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
For Dubai cafés, importers and producers.
Does the sugar tax affect small Dubai cafés?
It can. There is no excise threshold, so importers and stockpilers of excise drinks must register regardless of size.
How do I reduce the excise on my drinks?
Favour and reformulate to lower-sugar products, and certify each product's sugar content to avoid the top tier.
Should I re-price my menu?
Model the per-litre excise by tier and adjust pricing on affected products.
Can Exiloz advise our F&B business?
Yes. We help Dubai F&B businesses classify, certify, register and price for the sugar tax.
Ready your F&B for the sugar tax
Exiloz helps Dubai F&B classify, certify and price for the 2026 sugar tax.