RMC No. 01-2017: Clarifies Section 2(c) of RR No. 7-2014 on the colors of cigarette tax stamps relative to the implementation of the unitary Excise Tax rate under RR No. 17-2012

Key points

1. Unitary rate. Effective January 1, 2017, all removals, withdrawals and importations of cigarettes, whether packed by hand or machine, are subject to the unitary Excise Tax rate of Thirty Pesos (P30.00).
2. Fewer stamp classifications. The classification of internal revenue stamps is reduced from six (6) to three (3) colors. Domestic is Pink, Imported is Orange, and Export is Green. Previously, Domestic low was Yellow and high Pink, Imported low Orange and high Violet, and Export low Green and high Blue.
3. Inventory of old stamps. The Excise LT Field Operations Division counts all unused, unissued and unaffixed internal revenue stamps held by cigarette manufacturers, importers and exporters as of December 31, 2016.
4. Differential tax. Removals and importations using the old stamps pay the differential Excise Tax through the Electronic Filing and Payment System using BIR Form No. 2200-T.

Who is affected

• Cigarette manufacturers, importers and exporters

Deadlines and effectivity

• Effective January 1, 2017
• Inventory count of stamps as of December 31, 2016