Customs duties and VAT on medical devices temporarily removed

At the beginning of April, the European Commission approved the application of Member States aimed at abolishing VAT and customs duties on selected medical and protective products imported from outside the EU. Duty-free import of these products is valid for a half-year period with a retroactive date from 30 January to 31 July 2020. Lifting of the duty will make the articles more accessible and more accessible to a potential buyer. Their price can fall by up to 30%. The European Commission has made available a full list of discounted products. More information on the abolition of fees here.
Given the law in force in the European Union, in special cases it is permissible to introduce tax and customs concessions to help victims of various types of disasters. A relief of this type was introduced in the face of a coronavirus pandemic against imports carried out by “state organizations or approved charities.” The relief could be obtained with the consent of the Commission at the specific request of the applicant Member States. All European Union countries, together with Great Britain, submitted such applications by March 20th and received the said reliefs. Unfortunately, the exemption does not apply to imports made by private companies.

What’s important, it should be remembered that the relief does not exempt from customs clearance at borders, where certificates for transported medications are checked, which also cannot be forgotten.

Customs duties and VAT on medical devices temporarily removed