Oman introduces selective tax law

MUSCAT, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said issued on Wednesday a royal decree to introduce selective tax Law.

The new tax is primarily targeted at certain foodstuff, beverages and commodities that are deemed harmful to human health and environment.

It is expected to be levied on alcohol, tobacco products, carbonated drinks, energy drinks and certain luxury goods.

In line with the Gulf Cooperation Council's framework, the rate of the tax will be 50 percent or 100 percent based on the nature of the goods.

So far, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar have introduced such tax.

Recent data conducted by Oman's Ministry of Health, which surveyed more than 9,000 people, revealed that the number of people with obesity exceeded 66 percent.

It also showed that 8.5 percent of adults aged 18 and above smoke tobacco with males accounting for 14 percent. Some 38.6 percent of Omanis are exposed to second-hand smoke at home or work.