Beverage makers get more time to register under new sugar tax

Manufacturers of non-alcoholic sweetened beverages have been given until Friday, May 15, to complete licensing under the new Special Consumption Tax regime.

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) announced the extension Monday, following a meeting with representatives from the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and the TAJ.

The new tax, which took effect on May 1, applies to beverages containing added sugar and artificial sweeteners  including carbonated drinks, sweetened juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, flavoured water, and other sweetened beverages intended for human consumption.

The tax will be charged at a rate of $0.22 per gram of added sugar or sweetener, meaning consumers could see price adjustments on affected products.

The Government has described the measure as part of a broader fiscal and public health policy initiative aimed at reducing excessive sugar consumption while strengthening revenue.

To support compliance, TAJ said it hosted a webinar on May 4, drawing more than 350 participants. A follow-up online panel discussion is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, featuring representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Policy Unit, and TAJ's Legal, Excise and Technical Specialist units.

The new provisions require manufacturers to be licensed under the Excise Duty Act and registered with TAJ for Special Consumption Tax purposes. The measures were tabled in the House of Representatives on April 28, 2026, as part of the 2026/2027 Revenue Measures.

Manufacturers can visit www.jamaicatax.gov.jm or contact TAJ's Customer Care Centre at (888) TAX-HELP (829-4357) for licensing and registration guidance.

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