المملكة: Including personal belongings… Consumer Protection explains import exemptions and taxable goods

The Consumer Protection Accurate details of customs exemptions for personal goods, explaining the percentages of selective taxes imposed on tobacco products and beverages to ensure complete transparency in all transactions related to import and ports.

The association confirmed that one of the most prominent rights of the individual consumer is full access to the list of exemptions from value-added tax upon import, which includes a number of cases regulated in accordance with applicable regulations.

She explained that Personal belongings and giftsthat travelers carry in their personal luggage are considered among the most prominent goods exempted from tax, in accordance with the Unified Customs System and its Executive Regulations, which reflects the ease of movement for individuals.

Exemptions include personal equipment designated for people with special needs, provided that it is on a specific list issued by decision of the competent authorities, within the framework of supporting this category and enabling it to obtain its needs without additional burdens.

In a related context, The association noted that exemptions do not apply in all cases, as Tax exemption on some imported goods, even if they are exempt from customs duties, if the person subject to the tax is authorized to pay them through the tax return, except in cases where the competent authorities decide that customs duties are not due in the first place.

The association highlighted the consumer’s right to know which goods are subject to excise tax, which is imposed on specific products with the aim of limiting their consumption or regulating their circulation, due to their health or social impacts.

/>It explained that soft drinks are subject to a tax of 50%, with the exception of unflavored carbonated water, while energy drinks are subject to a higher tax of up to 100%, because they contain stimulants.

Goods subject to the selective tax include tobacco products of all kinds, in addition to liquids used in electronic smoking devices and tools, whether they contain nicotine or not, in addition to the devices themselves.

The association indicated that sweetened drinks are included in the list. Goods subject to a 50% excise tax include every product that contains a source of sugar or sweeteners, whether ready to drink or in the form of concentrates, powders, or extracts that can be converted into drinks.

The association provided a detailed explanation of the definitions of the goods covered by the tax, as it explained that soft drinks include any product that contains a gas, including concentrates and powders that can be converted into drinks.

As for energy drinks, they are those that are It is marketed as enhancing physical or mental activity, and contains stimulant substances such as caffeine, taurine, ginseng, and guarana.

With regard to tobacco products, it has confirmed that it includes all items listed within the unified customs tariff, in addition to electronic smoking products in their various forms, whether devices or liquids.