Austria’s Ministry of Finance has opened a public consultation on a draft bill to reduce VAT on selected staple foods from 10% to 4.9%, with the measure set to take effect on 1 July 2026. The consultation runs until 8 April 2026.
Austria’s Ministry of Finance has opened a public consultation on 11 March 2026 on a draft bill that would cut the value-added tax (VAT) on selected staple foods from 10% to 4.9%.
The reduction is part of the government’s 2026 reform measures and is planned to take effect from 1 July 2026.
The draft bill covers milk (including lactose-free), yoghurt, butter, fresh chicken eggs, and fresh or chilled vegetables. It also includes frozen vegetables, edible fruit, rice, wheat flour and semolina, uncooked pasta, bread, and table salt. All items are classified according to the European Union’s Combined Nomenclature.
The consultation will close on 8 April 2026.
Stakeholders can review the draft and submit feedback via the Ministry’s official consultation portal.
