Mozambique’s Tax Authority (AT) presented last week a proposal to revise the Regulation on the Stamping of Alcoholic Beverages and Manufactured Tobacco, with the aim of transferring the production of tax stamps to national territory — a move expected to create jobs and boost the country’s economy, according to news portal Carta de Moçambique this Monday, May 26.
According to the portal, during a consultation session with producers and importers subject to the Excise Tax (ICE), the AT outlined the goals of the proposal, which aims to modify the current stamping model. At present, the stamps are produced abroad, providing no direct benefit to the local labor market.
“The revision aims to ensure that stamping is done within national territory, in order to generate jobs in the country, since the current model offers no such advantage,” explained Miguel Nhane, coordinator of the Unit for the Stamping of Alcoholic Beverages and Manufactured Tobacco.
In a statement, the AT said that participants were able to contribute suggestions and raise questions about the current regulation. The AT will continue collecting proposals until next Tuesday, which will then be submitted to the Minister of Finance for review and potential approval.
“The revision aims to ensure that stamping is done within national territory, in order to generate jobs in the country, since the current model offers no such advantage.” — Miguel Nhane
Combating Smuggling and Increasing Revenue
The stamping of alcoholic beverages and manufactured tobacco was implemented in Mozambique in 2017 as a mandatory measure to ensure fiscal control and fight smuggling. The products covered are marked with holographic stamps, whose presence on packaging indicates legal tax compliance.
The initiative aims to curb unfair trade, limit the consumption of counterfeit goods, and increase tax revenue for the State. However, companies and consumers have expressed concerns about the costs associated with stamping, fearing they could lead to price hikes in the market.
Economic Impact and Sector Expectations
With the proposal to produce stamps domestically, the AT aims to balance the effectiveness of the measure with internal economic benefits, creating new opportunities in the graphic and security printing sectors, while also strengthening oversight.
This proposal arises amid ongoing fiscal reforms, in which the Government seeks to broaden the tax base and improve tax collection efficiency, while considering the social and economic impact of the measures being adopted.
Source: Diário Económico
