FTA Inspection Visits Rise 21% as UAE Seizes 8.45 Million Non-Compliant Excise Products

UAE, 19 August, 2026: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) conducted 103,680 inspection visits across UAE markets during the first half of 2026, a 21% increase from around 86,000 visits during the same period in 2025.

During these inspections, the FTA seized 8.45 million non-compliant excise products, including 6.58 million tobacco-related products and 1.87 million other excise goods such as carbonated, energy and sweetened beverages.

The inspections resulted in more than AED 174 million in tax liabilities and administrative penalties associated with the seized goods.

The FTA also issued 3,343 VAT registration notices to businesses that were not registered for VAT, compared with 2,845 notices in the first half of 2025.

The inspection campaigns focus on strengthening tax compliance, preventing tax evasion, protecting consumers, and ensuring businesses meet requirements related to tax invoices, tax-inclusive pricing and payment of taxes due.