Bahraini delegation introduced to the UAE's Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme

ABU DHABI, 10th April, 2022 (WAM) -- An official delegation from the Kingdom of Bahrain was briefed on the UAE's Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme. The system, which the Federal Tax Authority enforces, enables the tracking of tobacco products electronically through Digital Tax Stamps in order to combat tax evasion, protect consumers from commercial fraud, prevent illegal and nonconforming products from being sold in local markets, and ensure the collection of taxes due on all tobacco products traded in the country.

This was reviewed in a joint virtual meeting between officials from the Federal Tax Authority and the Bahrain National Bureau for Revenue.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the FTA, participated in the meeting, during which attendees discussed ways to expand cooperation, develop relations and work together to exchange expertise and information in the field of taxation.

He stressed that this meeting reflects the solid bilateral relations between the two parties, as well as their commitment to strengthening their partnerships in all sectors, including taxes, through exchanging experiences and information. "Having these meetings is essential to enhance cooperation between the Authority and tax authorities in friendly countries, and to benefit from the experiences and regulations applied in the tax sector," he added.

During the meeting, specialists from Bahrain's National Bureau for Revenue were introduced to the mechanisms for implementing the UAE tax system, including the Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme. The delegation explored the achievements of the system since its launch more than three years ago, as well as its role in promoting accuracy and effectiveness in control procedures, in line with the highest international standards.

FTA's representatives presented the objectives, scope, steps, and results for implementing the first and second phases of the Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme. The system's successful track record prevents the sale and possession of all types of cigarettes, waterpipe tobacco, and electrically heated cigarettes that do not bear Digital Tax Stamps in local markets.

The approved designs for Digital Tax Stamps and the methodology for classifying product stamps for local markets and for duty free areas were also presented. Additionally, the meeting illustrated how the Authority links its database to that of other relevant authorities, in order to implement the Scheme.

FTA experts answered inquiries by members of the Bahraini delegation about the UAE Marking Tobacco and Tobacco Products Scheme, and agreed to maintain communications in the future to exchange information and experiences.