FTA Boosts Inspections to 93,000 in 2024, Enhancing Tax Compliance with Digital Technologies

UAE, 25 February, 2025 : The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has significantly ramped up efforts to combat tax evasion and improve tax compliance in the UAE, conducting 93,000 field inspection visits in 2024, a 135% increase from the previous year’s 40,000 visits. These inspections were part of a broader strategy to protect consumer rights and ensure adherence to tax laws.

During these visits, the FTA seized 11 million packages of non-conforming tobacco products and 3.9 million packages of excise goods, including soft drinks and energy drinks, due to violations such as lack of digital tax stamps. The total value of tax dues and fines collected exceeded AED 348 million.

His Excellency Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director General of the FTA, emphasized the role of digital technologies in enhancing compliance, with the introduction of digital tax stamps playing a key part in tracking and inspecting products. These stamps, registered in the FTA's database, help prevent the sale of non-compliant goods while ensuring smoother inspection processes at customs ports and markets.

The FTA’s ongoing efforts also include strategic partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders to improve market control and raise awareness across the business sector and the community.