A higher tax on soft drinks is proposed based on their sugar content. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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The Finnish government has proposed restructuring the soft drink tax to make it dependent on sugar content. The reform would raise levies on sugary beverages while maintaining the lowest rate for sugar-free options, the Ministry of Finance said.
Currently, all sugar-containing drinks are taxed at €0.32 per litre. Under the proposal, the rate would vary from €0.27 to €0.59 per litre, depending on sugar levels. Sugar-free drinks would be taxed at €0.20 per litre, an increase of €0.07 from the current level.
The excise duty applies to non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beverages such as juices, soft drinks, mineral waters, energy drinks and coffee-based drinks.
Unpackaged drinks would be taxed at the lowest level regardless of sugar content. For plant-based drinks, tax exemptions would require sufficient calcium content. Legume-based drinks, such as those made from fava beans, would be taxed on the same basis as other plant-based beverages.
The reform also proposes extending taxation to bottled water sold in retail packs larger than five litres.
The government said the six-tier structure is intended to steer consumers toward healthier choices. Annual state revenue from the tax increases is estimated at €110 million.
If approved, the changes would take effect on 1 April 2026.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
