Tobacco excise marking scheme transitions to new design; old marks cease 31 December 2026
Last day for payment of fees due on the requests for Marks of old design: 15 December 2026. Stopping the issuance and supply of Marks of old design: 31 December 2026. Starting to receive requests for, issue and supply Marks of new design (including updated fees): 1 January 2027.
The analysis — automated & source-checked
- Applies to
- Tax · UAE
- What to do
- Tobacco importers and manufacturers must obtain new-design marks starting 1 January 2027, complete the transition before 30 June 2027, and cease all use of old-design marks by that date. Payment for old-design mark fees must be made by 15 December 2026.
- By when
- due 15 Dec 2026 · 15 Dec 2026
The Federal Tax Authority has amended its tobacco and tobacco-products marking scheme under FTA Decision No. 18 of 2026, effective 1 October 2026. Importers and manufacturers must transition from old-design excise marks to new-design marks by fixed deadlines. Key dates: businesses must pay fees for old-design marks by 15 December 2026; the FTA stops issuing old marks on 31 December 2026; new-design marks become available from 1 January 2027. Importers have until 30 June 2027 to bring in goods bearing old marks; local producers must cease manufacture of old-marked goods by the same date. Unused old marks must be returned by 15 July 2027. From 30 June 2028 (or product expiry, whichever is earlier), all old-marked excise goods are prohibited from supply, transfer, storage or possession in the UAE.
Source
Source: FTA Legislation — official 25 Sept 2026 Read the original ↗ More from FTA Legislation →
Quick answers
What do I need to do?
Tobacco importers and manufacturers must obtain new-design marks starting 1 January 2027, complete the transition before 30 June 2027, and cease all use of old-design marks by that date. Payment for old-design mark fees must be made by 15 December 2026.
What's the deadline?
15 Dec 2026.
Who issued this?
FTA Legislation (UAE).
When was it announced?
25 Sept 2026.
Where can I read the original?
Read the original at FTA Legislation: https://tax.gov.ae//Datafolder/Files/Legislation/2026/FTA%20Decision%20No.%203%20of%202021%20and%20its%20amendments%20-%20publishing.pdf
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