Excise Tax Registration UAE
There is no turnover threshold for excise tax. If you import, produce, or stockpile excise goods in the UAE, you must register BEFORE your first activity — not after. Customs will hold your shipment if you are not registered.
Who Must Register for Excise Tax?
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 7 of 2017, Articles 4-6, registration must occur before engaging in any excise activity. Late registration penalty: AED 10,000 fixed (Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2021).
| Product | Excise Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Tobacco and tobacco products | 100% — any importer, producer, or stockpiler must register |
| Electronic smoking devices | 100% — any importer, producer, or stockpiler must register |
| Energy drinks | 100% — any importer, producer, or stockpiler must register |
| Carbonated drinks (non-water) | 50% — any importer, producer, or stockpiler must register |
| Sweetened drinks | 50% — any importer, producer, or stockpiler must register |
| Water (still or sparkling) | 0% — no registration required |
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 7 of 2017, Articles 4-6. Penalty under Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2021.
How Excise Tax Registration Works
Product Classification and Activity Assessment
We confirm whether your products are classified as excise goods under UAE law, the applicable excise rate, and which activity category you fall into — importer, producer, or stockpiler. If your product's classification is unclear, we obtain an FTA ruling on classification before proceeding with registration.
EmaraTax Excise Registration Submission
We submit your excise tax registration through the FTA EmaraTax portal. Registration requires your trade licence, Emirates ID, details of excise goods to be traded, and evidence of warehouse or storage facility if applicable. We handle the full portal process.
Registration Confirmation and First Return Schedule
We deliver your Excise Tax Registration Number and your first monthly return due date (returns are due on the 15th of the following month). We also advise on excise record-keeping requirements — you must maintain detailed stock records for all excise goods.
Transparent Pricing — No Surprises
Standard Excise Registration
AED 2,000 – 4,000
- ✓Product classification confirmation
- ✓EmaraTax excise registration
- ✓Activity category determination
- ✓Registration certificate delivery
- ✓First return date and schedule
Registration with Product Registration
AED 4,000 – 8,000
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓Excise product registration (each product)
- ✓FTA product code application
- ✓Designated zone registration (if applicable)
- ✓First monthly return preparation
Late registration penalty: AED 10,000. Plus customs can hold your shipment. Register before you import.
Excise Tax Registration UAE — Common Questions
What products are subject to excise tax in UAE?
UAE excise tax applies to: tobacco products and tobacco substitutes (100%), electronic smoking devices and liquids (100%), energy drinks (100%), carbonated beverages excluding plain water (50%), and sweetened beverages (50%). Businesses must register with FTA before importing, producing, or stockpiling any of these products under Federal Decree-Law No. 7 of 2017.
What is the penalty for failing to register for excise tax?
The penalty for late excise tax registration is AED 10,000 under Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2021. Additionally, customs authorities can seize or hold goods at the border for unregistered importers. The cost of a held shipment — in demurrage, storage, and delayed sales — typically far exceeds the AED 10,000 penalty.
Do I need to register separately for each product?
Your excise registration covers your company as an importer, producer, or stockpiler of excise goods generally. However, each excise product must be separately registered — you submit the product name, description, retail price, and HS code for each product. All products must be registered before being imported or produced.
What is a Designated Zone for excise tax purposes?
A Designated Zone is a specific area approved by the FTA where excise goods can be stored, processed, or transferred between registered businesses without immediately triggering excise tax payment. Excise tax is suspended within a Designated Zone and becomes payable when goods are released for sale in the UAE market.
How often must excise tax returns be filed?
Excise tax returns must be filed monthly, with the return and payment due on the 15th day of the month following the tax period. For example, the excise return for goods sold or released in April must be filed and paid by 15 May. Late filing penalty is AED 1,000 for the first offence.
Register Before Your First Shipment — Customs Won't Wait
Tell us your products and we confirm classification, registration requirement, and applicable rate before you commit.
Check My Excise Obligations →