The Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP) has taken note of debate on the implementation of the 20 per cent ad-valorem excise tax on “Distilled, bottled and other packaged water”.

The Act of Parliament (Act 787), which imposes the tax takes effect on Monday, 1st March, 2010. MoFEP seeks to state that the implementation of the tax does not include SACHET WATER.

As already explained, a committee constituted by the Minister of Finance is still engaging all stakeholders and operators of sachet water and will come out with its decision as soon as mutual understanding has been reached. MoFEP will keep the public informed accordingly.

ISSUED BY ABDUL HAKIM AHMED, MEDIA LIAISON MINISTRY OF FINANCE & ECONOMIC PLANNING

THE NEWS EDITOR