This new levy will apply to the production and importation of soft drinks containing added sugar. Primary legislation introducing the levy was approved by parliament in the Finance Act 2017.

To complete the legislative framework for the levy, two statutory instruments are required. HMRC’s technical consultation seeks comments on both of these draft statutory instruments.

One covers the soft drinks industry levy regulations 2017, which set out in detail the scope and operation of the levy. The second is the soft drinks industry levy (enforcement) regulations 2017, providing HMRC with specific enforcement and compliance powers.

HMRC says this consultation will be of interest to businesses in the UK soft drinks industry - in particular brand owners, manufacturers, importers and exporters of soft drinks.

The consultation closes on 8 December.

Open consultation Draft legislation: Soft Drinks Industry Levy is here.

Report by Pat Sweet