The Tax Code imposes a tax rate of 0.1 euros (approximately UAH 4) per liter of beverage on mineral and carbonated waters containing added sugar and other sweeteners and aromatic substances.
Ukraine plans to introduce a tax on sugar water in the next three years. The change will likely lead to higher prices for commonly consumed soda and fruit juice drinks. This was stated in the 2025-2027 budget statement published on the Cabinet of Ministers’ website.
The excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages is part of the National Income Strategy 2030.
They have been planning to introduce a tax on sugary drinks since last year, when two relevant bills were registered with the Verkhovna Rada:
- 9032-1 – Due to amendments to the Tax Code, a tax rate of 0.1 euros (about 4 UAH) per liter of beverage is introduced for mineral waters and carbonated waters containing added sugar and other sweeteners, aromatic substances;
- 9033-1 – Determines that funds received from the tax are intended to be used to implement programs for the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases, as well as to support the child nutrition program in schools.
The Ministry of Health supports the introduction of a special consumption tax on sugary drinks, drawing attention to the link between frequent consumption of these drinks and the development of diabetes, excessive weight gain, obesity and other health problems. Often, one litre of such drinks contains more than the daily sugar requirement.
Other tax initiatives included in the budget statement include the removal of corporate income tax cuts, gradual alignment of tobacco and fuel excise tax rates with EU levels, and harmonisation of tax cuts and reduced VAT rates in line with EU directives.
It should be noted that the Council of Ministers determined in the 2025-2027 Budget Declaration that the annual indexation of pensions will be carried out as of March 1.
Source: Focus
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