Situation analysis of sugar‑sweetened beverages taxation in Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Abstract

Background: Significant attention is being given to the role of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) in the increasing rates of obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).

Aim: To document the different approaches being used by EMR countries in implementing the sugar-sweetened beverages taxation.

Methods: This study used data on indirect taxes levied on SSBs by the 22 EMR countries and territories collected by WHO between July 2022 and June 2023. For comparison between countries, all applicable taxes were converted to a percentage of the tax-inclusive retail prices and standardized.

Results: Eleven EMR countries imposed the national excise tax on carbonated SSBs and 10 imposed excise tax on at least one type of beverage other than carbonated SSBs. Ad valorem excise taxes were the most-used type for carbonated SSBs, with 10 of the 11 countries applying them. Morocco applied volume-based specific excise taxes with different rates depending on the sugar content. Excise tax represented the highest tax proportion (31.7%) in Oman and United Arab Emirates, while total tax represented the highest proportion (42.0%) of the retail price in Saudi Arabia and 36.5% in Oman and United Arab Emirates.

Conclusion: Only half of the EMR countries are currently implementing SSBs taxation, and the imposed tax is less than 20% in half of these countries. All EMR countries should start implementing SSBs taxation as part of their national disease control policy frameworks to help reverse the increasing trend of obesity and other diet-related noncommunicable diseases in the region.