UAE denies reports on tobacco duty

Abu Dhabi: The Federal Customs Authority has denied reports that it intends to increase customs duties on tobacco products by 200 per cent.

"It is not the responsibility of the authority to take such a decision according to the law of its establishment," said Saeed Bin Khalifa Al Merri, deputy director of the authority.

Al Merri was reacting to reports that UAE was planning a 200 per cent increase in customs duties on tobacco. He said this was a suggestion presented by Saudi Arabia, and a meeting of Customs Union Committee on Sunday will discuss it.