By Akinyi Winiefred
Uganda Revenue Authority has urged Kombucha manufacturers to have their products affixed with Digital Tax Stamps (DTS) during production. The Authority says manufacturers need to automate stamping as part of the production process.
This call was made by Robert Amanya, the Ag. Manager of DTS at URA during a recent meeting with key players in the Kombucha industry.
Amanya stressed the significance of proper stamp ordering and activation, highlighting the penalties for non-activation. His call comes at a time when URA is about to commence compliance checks on various risks, including none stamping of goods.
On their part the manufacturers raised concerns about the cost of the stamps which they say is eating into their profits.
They also expressed concern about URA’s deployment in factories, Local Excise Duty claims, increased penalties, taxation of stamping machines, input costs, enforcement consistency, unprofessional officers and URA officers accessing their premises abruptly.
Amanya eased their fears, underscoring the importance of granting URA officers access to manufacturing premises. He said this is to ensure DTS compliance and adherence to UNBS standards.
On the cost of digital stamps, Edward Luande, the Supervisor of DTS Enforcement, underscored the importance of reducing digital tax stamp costs in facilitating compliance and promoting collaboration within the industry.
He highlighted the cost of stamps for the product category “any other alcoholic beverages,” which was reduced from Ugx 35 to Ugx 17 in August this year.
This he said demonstrates URA’s commitment to ensuring a reduction in the cost of the stamps to support taxpayers.
Meanwhile, James Nimezu, the General Secretary of the Uganda Kombucha Manufacturers Association commended URA for the sensitization and pledged to promote compliance and sustainable growth within the Kombucha industry.
