488 food commodities exempted from VAT

In line with the measures prescribed by the Social Security Scheme announced on April 8 and endorsed by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Tax Authority has issued a new list of food commodities that are zero-rated for Value Added Tax (VAT).

Saud bin Nasser al Shukaili, head of the Tax Authority, issued Decision No 65/2021 listing food commodities subject to zero per cent VAT. The decision was issued on April 8, and comes into effect from April 16.

The list includes 488 commodities, including fruits, legumes, spices, vegetable oils, fresh and frozen fish, fresh and frozen poultry, fresh and frozen meat, cheese and other dairy products, eggs, grains, flour, tea, coffee, salt and sugar. The list includes fresh and frozen vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, potatoes, green leafy vegetables, carrots, eggplant and cucumbers.