Tax on sugar could take effect no sooner than in 2014

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The tax on sugar drafted by the government could not become effective until in 2014 at the earliest, estimates the Ministry of Finance.
      According to the government programme, the introduction of the sugar tax is being defined so that it could take effect already from the beginning of next year.
      ”Civil servants knew already then that the schedule would be completely unrealistic”, says Senior Adviser Hanne-Riikka Nalli from the Ministry of Finance.
     
According to Nalli, the preparation of the planned tax on sugar is far from complete.
      In addition to candies and chocolate, the tax levied on sweets at the beginning of last year applies only to ice cream and soft drinks.
      If the planned tax on sugar were to take effect it would be extended to include even other delicacies, including biscuits, buns, cakes, and pastries.
      The tax could apply to yoghurts and cereals as well.
      In addition to soft drinks, juices are also already liable to taxation.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Revenues from tax on sweets exceeded all expectations (7.8.2012)
  Government to implement planned tax on sweets, ice cream and soft drinks (17.9.2010)

Helsingin Sanomat