The Cyprus Tax Department announced an additional extension of the temporary 0% VAT rate on essential products, including meats and vegetables, until 30 September 2024.
The zero VAT rate on essential goods includes all types of bread (whether fresh or frozen, with or without sourdough, excluding baked goods), eggs, milk, baby food (snacks like chips, nuts, sweets, chocolates, and ice cream are not included), baby diapers, adult diapers, feminine hygiene products, coffee (ready-to-drink or brewed beverages containing coffee, whether hot or cold, are not included), and sugar.
Zero VAT rate on meat includes fresh, chilled, or frozen lamb, pork, beef, goat, poultry, and rabbit.
Zero VAT rate on vegetables include fresh or chilled tomatoes, onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, asparagus, eggplants, celery, mushrooms, truffles, peppers, spinach, artichokes, unprepared olives, pumpkins, cucumbers, gherkins, and various leguminous vegetables.
The extension was approved by the Council of Ministers on 28 June, 2024. The temporary zero VAT rate was previously extended until 30 June, 2024.
The zero rate has been effective for basic food items from 5 May, 2023. Items such as sugar and coffee have been included later on 1 November, 2023. The policy for meat and vegetables has been in effect since 1 December, 2023.
