KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) is advising manufacturers of non-alcoholic sweetened beverages (NASB) that an extension has been granted to Friday, May 15, for their licensing under the new provisions of the Special Consumption Tax.

The extension follows a meeting with representatives from the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MoFPS) and TAJ, the agency said in a press release on Monday.

Under the new provisions, manufacturers of the applicable beverages are now required to be licensed under the Excise Duty Act, and register with TAJ for Special Consumption Tax purposes. The measure applies to beverages containing added sugar and artificial sweeteners, including carbonated drinks, sweetened juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, flavoured water, and other sweetened beverages intended for human consumption.