Filenews 13 September 2023
The Council of Ministers decided to extend for another six months the measure of zero VAT rate by adding sugar and coffee to the list of products.
Specifically, in statements after the end of the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said that coffee and sugar are added to the list of products subject to zero VAT rate.
List of products with zero VAT rate
Bread: all types of bread fresh or frozen with or without sourdough (e.g. white, black, whole grain, multigrain, rustic, rye, cornbread, baguette, ciabatta, sliced bread, loaves, pies). Pastries, dried and any bread with added ingredients such as raisins, nuts, herbs are not included.
Milk: fresh milk (e.g. cow, goat, sheep), sweetened, concentrated, long-lasting, flavoured milk (e.g. chocolate, banana), vegetable milk (e.g. almond, soy, rice).
Eggs
Baby food: powdered, dry and/or liquid and intended for consumption by children. Snacks (e.g. chips, nuts, candies, chocolates, ice cream) are not included.
Baby diapers
Products for feminine hygiene protection (tampons, sanitary napkins and incontinence pads)
Adult diapers
It is clarified that according to the VAT Legislation, businesses are obliged to count stocks of these goods.
Targeted measures
Asked if there are thoughts about a possible subsidy of electricity and fuel, the Finance Minister reiterated that the government's policy concerns the implementation of targeted measures.
"The government's policy is targeted measures, which are both more effective and which are better in line with the fiscal framework and fiscal discipline that we need as a country to keep our economy on the right channel and level," Keravnos said.
Recalling the extension of the zero rate, the Finance Minister added that beyond that, he added, the government shows its sensitivities, it is an anthropocentric government.
"And we are following all developments with a lot of seriousness and a lot of sensitivity, and depending on developments, the government will continue to place measures to mitigate those in need," he concluded.
