Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has extended the deadline for manufacturers of non-alcoholic sweetened beverages (NASBs) to obtain licences under the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) regime to Friday, May 15.

The extension follows a meeting involving the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service (MoFPS), and TAJ as stakeholders continue to adjust to the new tax framework.

The SCT on sweetened beverages took effect on May 1 as part of amendments to the General Consumption Tax (GCT) Act. Manufacturers affected by the measure are required to be licensed under the Excise Duty Act and registered with TAJ.