- Vietnam’s National Assembly passed a revised Law on Special Consumption Tax affecting sugary drinks and certain air conditioners.
- The law was approved by 93.72 percent of lawmakers and will take effect on January 1, 2026.
- Air conditioners between 24,000 and 90,000 BTU will be taxed, while those outside this range are exempt.
- Sugary drinks with more than 5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters will be taxed at 8 percent in 2027, increasing to 10 percent in 2028.
- Exemptions for sugary drinks include milk, dairy items, natural mineral water, bottled water, pure vegetable and fruit juices, nectar, cocoa-based drinks, coconut water, and nutritional liquids.
- The tax on sugary beverages aims to promote healthier consumer choices.
- Alcohol and beer taxes will increase gradually from 2026, with alcohol over 20 percent ABV and beer reaching 90 percent by 2031.
- Proposals to tax other categories like sugar-based products, plastic bags, online gaming, and beauty services were not included.
- The current tax on gasoline will be maintained, with a review recommended to align with environmental commitments.
- Exemptions include helicopters, gliders, and aircraft for emergency services or agriculture, with broader wording for pesticide-related equipment.
Source: english.thesaigontimes.vn
Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.
