Countries / Middle East & Africa

Bahrain, Qatar, Oman

Tax stamps on excise goodsChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemGCC digital tax stamps
Code on the productDigital tax stamps activated in the national system
AggregationNo.
First stepHold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

The smaller Gulf states follow the Saudi and UAE model. Bahrain requires active digital stamps on all tobacco in the local market since 24 December 2023. Qatar launched digital stamps in 2022. Oman bans unstamped tobacco since February 2023 and is extending stamps to soft and energy drinks after several postponements.

If you supply this market

  1. Hold the licence of a manufacturer or importer of excise goods.
  2. Order stamps from the authority for each batch: GCC digital tax stamps.
  3. Apply a stamp to every unit before release and activate it in the system.
  4. Keep stock and reports in line: unstamped goods can be seized.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Already in force

  • 2022Qatar: digital tax stamps on tobacco
  • 1 Feb 2023Oman: sale of tobacco without digital stamps banned
  • 18 Jun 2023Bahrain: shisha tobacco without stamps banned
  • 24 Dec 2023Bahrain: final phase, all tobacco in the local market
  • 1 Jan 2026Oman: soft and energy drinks in the local market (latest announced date)

What the code looks like

TAX STAMPSN 0001234567

Tax stamp on each unit

Physical stamp
Applied to every pack or bottle, usually by the manufacturer or importer
Serial number + 2D code
Issued by the tax authority; the manufacturer applies it
Check
Inspectors and often consumers scan it to confirm the duty was paid

The stamp is ordered from the authority and activated when it is applied. Schematic drawing.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in Bahrain, Qatar, Oman?

Only excise goods carry tax stamps: GCC digital tax stamps. Other consumer goods are not marked.

What is already in force?

2022: Qatar: digital tax stamps on tobacco; 1 Feb 2023: Oman: sale of tobacco without digital stamps banned; 18 Jun 2023: Bahrain: shisha tobacco without stamps banned; 24 Dec 2023: Bahrain: final phase, all tobacco in the local market; 1 Jan 2026: Oman: soft and energy drinks in the local market (latest announced date).

What code goes on the product?

Digital tax stamps activated in the national system.

Is aggregation required?

No.

What changes next?

No announced changes found yet.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with Freyr: Bahrain final phase. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.