The legal measure that sets the 0% VAT for 46 essential products was published on the 18th of April, resulting on the reduction of final prices for the consumers. The list of products was proposed by the Health Ministry and also reflects the information given by the major retailers about the products the Portuguese consume the most. 

Here is the list of products that have zero VAT:

Cereals and derivatives, tubers:

• Bread

• Potatoes 

• Pasta 

• Rice

Dairy products:

• Natural cow's milk

• Yogurt or fermented milk

• Cheeses

Fruits:

• Apple

• Banana

• Orange

• Pear

• Melon

Legumes (dried):

• Kidney beans

• Black-eyed peas

• Chickpeas

Vegetables:

• Onion

• Tomato

• Cauliflower

• Lettuce

• Broccolli

• Carrot

• Courgette

• Leek

• Pumpkin

• Sprouts

• Portuguese cabbage

• Spinach

• Turnip

• Peas

Meat and edible offal, fresh or frozen:

• Pork

• Chicken

• Turkey

• Beef

• Fresh fish (live or dead), 

• Codfish

• Sardines

• Hake

• Horse mackerel

• Golden bream

• Mackerel

Fats and oils:

• Olive oil

• Vegetable oils 

• Butter

Other products: 

• Canned tuna

• Chicken eggs

• Vegetable-based drinks and yoghurts, without milk or dairy products, based on dried fruits, cereals or preparations based on cereals, fruits, vegetables, or horticultural products

• Dietetic products intended for enteral nutrition and gluten-free products for celiac patients.

The food retail sector  had 15 days prior to the implementation of this legal measure to adjust the prices. 

Check the DGC – The Consumer General Direction document, only available in Portuguese,  that sets the applicable rules to this matter, starting today until the 31st of Octobre 2023.  

Source: Portuguese Government Portal

2023.04.21