The UAE’s Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has seized over 3.5 million unauthorised excise goods from a facility in Dubai following a targeted inspection operation. The confiscated items included 1.56 million cigarette packs, 1.77 million packs of electronic smoking devices and accessories, 111,360 packs of raw tobacco, 4,000 packs of hookah tobacco, 121 nicotine pouches, and 4,600 packs of excise beverages.
FTA inspectors uncovered the illegal inventory hidden within shipments of clothing and footwear. The goods were found to be fraudulently packaged and intended for distribution in violation of Federal Law No. 7 of 2017 on Excise Tax.
The tax liability for the seized goods was assessed at Dh133.2 million. Fines were issued, and legal proceedings have been initiated against the non-compliant entities involved.
The FTA said the operation is part of its ongoing monitoring programme in collaboration with local and federal authorities. It reaffirmed the use of digital tax stamps on tobacco products, which contain electronically registered data to verify compliance.
The Authority said it uses automated and manual tools to monitor excise compliance and continues to scan for violations across all seven emirates. It warned that failure to comply with excise regulations will result in financial penalties and other enforcement actions.
