KNews 16 January 2026
No VAT on baby milk, diapers, fruit and vegetables.
Shoppers in Cyprus will get a break on everyday essentials for another year, as the government confirmed that zero VAT on a range of basic goods will remain in place throughout 2026.
The Tax Department announced that the measure, approved by the Cabinet in November, will apply from January 1 through December 31, 2026, aiming to ease pressure on household budgets and help keep the cost of living in check.
For families, the extension means no VAT on baby milk, both liquid and powdered, as well as baby diapers and adult incontinence products. Items linked to women’s health are also included, such as sanitary pads, tampons and incontinence pads.
The zero-VAT list also covers a wide selection of fresh or simply chilled vegetables, including staples like potatoes, tomatoes, onions, garlic and leeks, along with broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, peas, beans, eggplants, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, pumpkins and zucchini.
Fresh fruit remains part of the scheme as well. This includes bananas, citrus fruits, grapes, apples, pears, melons and watermelons, as well as seasonal favourites such as apricots, peaches, cherries, nectarines, plums, strawberries and kiwis. Figs and avocados are also on the list.
Officials say the goal is straightforward: make everyday shopping more affordable, especially for families and vulnerable households, at a time when food prices remain a concern across Europe.
The Tax Department stressed that the zero-VAT rate applies only to the specific product categories listed in the Cabinet decree and urged businesses to follow the rules closely to ensure the measure reaches consumers as intended.
For shoppers, the takeaway is simple, lower prices on essentials will stick around for all of 2026
