Manufacturers of non-alcoholic sweetened beverages have been given until Friday, May 15, to complete licensing under the new Special Consumption Tax regime.

Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) announced the extension Monday, following a meeting with representatives from the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and the TAJ.

The new tax, which took effect on May 1, 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.