Cosmetic products in a shop. [Photo/business daily]A gazette notice which was to effect imposition of excise stamps on bottled water, juices, soda, other non-alcoholic beverages, and cosmetics has been temporarily suspended by the High Court.As from Wednesday, November 1 the said goods, whether imported or manufactured locally, were to be affixed with excise stamps.The order was issued on Monday by High Court judge John Mativo in a case filed by activist Okiya Omtatah.Mr. Omtatah had sued Treasury Cabinet Secretary, the Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner general, and Switzerland-based firm SICPA Securities.The judge said, "Pending hearing and determination of this case, a conservatory order suspending the public notice which KRA published in the national press and the media." The Gazette notice was published on October 3.According to Mr. Omtatah, the notice is contrary directions of the Public Investments Committee of the 11th Parliament which suspended implementation of excisable goods management systems by the sued parties pending the conclusion of investigations in the National Assembly.Mr. Omtatah argued that the matter is urgent since it exposes manufacturers, importers, and consumer to the burden of meeting extra production costs unlawfully.

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