On 13 November 2024, the National Treasury announced that it had published a policy review on the taxation of alcoholic beverages, which builds on the previous excise tax policy review in 2014 and proposes adjustments to the current policy framework.
The discussion document covers developments in the alcoholic beverages industry, including changes in the regulatory landscape, the prevalence of alcohol consumption, illicit trade in alcoholic beverages, international observations on alcohol taxation, the potential use of minimum unit pricing in the long term, and other administrative policy considerations in line with the concerns that stakeholders have raised.
With this publication, the National Treasury requests stakeholders to submit detailed written comments and proposals to assist the government in further developing an appropriate excise policy framework to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. After the public consultation process, the draft proposals will be revised to consider public comments, and announcements will be made in the 2025 Budget.
Please forward your written comments to 2024Alcoholreview@treasury.gov.za by the close of business on 13 December 2024.