Not so sweet move - Vietnam approves sugary drinks tax under amended consumption law
HANOI (Xinhua): Vietnam's National Assembly on Saturday passed the amended Law on Special Consumption Tax, approving for the first time an excise tax on sugary drinks, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
Under the revised law, drinks containing more than 5 grams of sugar per 100 ml will be taxed at 0 per cent in 2026, 8 per cent from January 2027, and 10 per cent starting in 2028.
According to the report, milk, 100 per cent fruit juice, coconut water, liquid nutritional supplements, mineral water, and nectar drinks will be exempt from the tax.
The law, effective from Jan. 1, 2026, also expands taxation to air conditioners within certain capacity ranges, while maintaining current tax rates on products like alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, and entertainment services, the report added.
During the National Assembly's meeting, delegates also proposed new taxable items such as online games, cosmetic services, and plastic packaging, pending further discussion. - Xinhua
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