10% supplementary duty on fast food proposed

In his budget speech for the upcoming fiscal year, Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Thursday proposed additional taxes on fast food, considering the health risks of future generations.

The minister proposed that a 10% supplementary duty (SD) be imposed at the supply stage on junk food items, on which 15% VAT is already applicable.

The imposition of the SD will come into effect from FY 2017-18.

Soft drinks, energy drinks, pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, French fries and hot dogs are among the food items.