Call for Tax Exemption on Sugar-Free Beverages as Concerns Arise Over Revenue Loss
Several legislators from the Democratic Progressive Party recently held a press conference advocating for tax exemptions on sugar-free beverages, urging a reassessment of the current goods tax structure to unlink it from high-sugar drinks. They indicated that the current tax system could lead to adverse health incentives for sugar-free beverages.
The Ministry of Finance remains cautious, worrying about an estimated revenue loss of between 300 to 500 million NTD if sugar-free drinks are exempt. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Standards has begun drafting a national standard for "sugar-free" beverages to establish definitions and testing methods.
Legislator Chung Chia-pin emphasized that "reducing sugar is not just a slogan, it's an investment in public health," advocating for the use of pricing mechanisms to promote healthier consumption.
