Qatar's General Tax Authority (GTA) has seized over 200 kilograms of tobacco products during an inspection campaign targeting a number of commercial establishments.
In a press statement, the agency said its teams, in cooperation with the relevant authorities, identified violations involving tobacco products without approved tax stamps and excise goods unauthorised for sale.
The campaign aimed to verify compliance with Qatar's Excise Tax Law and the regulations governing the circulation of excise goods.
The GTA's Anti-Tax Evasion team took the necessary measures against the non-compliant outlets and documented the violations to initiate the prescribed legal proceedings.
Tax stamps are distinctive markings affixed to excise goods covered by the tax stamp system to confirm payment of the tax due and verify that the goods may be legally traded. Trading these goods without approved tax stamps is prohibited under the provisions and procedures set out in the applicable legislation.
The GTA reaffirmed its commitment to continuing inspection campaigns, in cooperation and coordination with the relevant authorities, to strengthen market oversight and combat the illicit trade in excise goods, helping improve compliance with tax legislation and protect public health.
GTA also urged importers of cigarettes and other tobacco products to register on the "Dhareeba" platform under the excise goods track-and-trace system, noting that the import or circulation of any excise goods within the country is not permitted without valid and activated excise stamps, and comply with the relevant laws and executive regulations to avoid legal action.
