Vat Rates Applied in The Member States of The European Community
Vat Rates Applied in The Member States of The European Community
Vat Rates Applied in The Member States of The European Community
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL
TAXATION AND CUSTOMS UNION
TAX POLICY
VAT and other turnover taxes
DOC/1636/2005 - EN
VAT RATES
APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES
OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
II. APPLICATION OF REDUCED VAT RATES BY OLD MEMBER STATES TO THE CATEGORIES
OF GOODS AND SERVICES CONTAINED IN ANNEX H OF DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC............. 5
II(A). APPLICATION OF REDUCED VAT RATES BY THE NEW MEMBER STATES TO THE
CATEGORIES OF GOODS AND SERVICES CONTAINED IN ANNEX H OF DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC
7
IV. LIST OF SUPER-REDUCED RATES (LESS THAN 5%) APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES
10
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR
SERVICES................................................................................................................................................ 15
VII. VAT RATES APPLIED BY OLD MEMBER STATES TO THE LABOUR-INTENSIVE SERVICES
CONTAINED IN ANNEX K OF DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC ............................................................... 27
VII(A). VAT RATES APPLIED BY THE NEW STATES TO THE LABOUR-INTENSIVE SERVICES
CONTAINED IN ANNEX K OF DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC ............................................................... 28
IX. THE EVOLUTION OF VAT RATES APPLICABLE IN THE MEMBER STATES ........... 31
N.B.: The purpose of this document is to disseminate information about the VAT rates in force in the Member States
of the European Community. The information has been supplied by the respective Member States, but part of it has
not been verified by some of them yet. The Commission cannot be held responsible for its accuracy or completeness,
neither does its publication imply any endorsement by the Commission of those Member States’ legal provisions.
The official order of the Member States has not always been respected because of practical reasons. It will be
restored as soon as possible. For more detailed information, please consult the document "VAT in the European
Community" at the same Internet address as this document
(http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/publications/info_doc/info_doc.htm).
-2-
I. LIST OF VAT RATES APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES
Member States Code Super Reduced Reduced Rate Standard Rate Parking Rate
Rate
Belgium BE - 6 21 12
Czech Republic CZ - 5 19 -
Denmark DK - - 25 -
Germany DE - 7 16 -
Estonia EE - 5 18 -
Greece EL 4,5 9 19 -
Spain ES 4 7 16 -
France FR 2.1 5.5 19.6 -
Ireland IE 4.4 13.5 21 13.5
Italy IT 4 10 20
Cyprus CY - 5 15 -
Latvia LV - 5 18 -
Lithuania LT - 5/9 18 -
Luxembourg LU 3 6 15 12
Hungary HU - 5 / 15 25 -
Malta MT - 5 18 -
Netherlands NL - 6 19 -
Austria AT - 10 20 12
Poland PL 3 7 22 -
Portugal PT - 5 / 12 21 -
Slovenia SI - 8.5 20 -
Slovakia SK - - 19 -
Finland FI - 8 / 17 22 -
Sweden SE - 6 / 12 25 -
United Kingdom UK - 5 17.5 -
N.B.: Exemptions with a refund of tax paid at preceding stages (zero rates) are not included above (see section V)
-3-
II. APPLICATION OF REDUCED VAT RATES BY OLD MEMBER STATES TO THE CATEGORIES OF GOODS AND SERVICES
CONTAINED IN ANNEX H OF DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption
Category BE DK DE EL ES FR IE IT LU NL AT PT FI SE UK
1 Foodstuffs 6 25 7 9 4 5.5 0 4 3 6 10 5 17 12 0
12 16 7 19.6 4.4 10 12 25 17.5
21 13.5 21
2 Water supplies 21
6 25 7 9 7 5.5 [ex] 10 3 6 10 5 22 25 0
3 Pharmaceutical products 6 25 16 9 4 2.1 0 10 3 6 20 5 8 25 0
5.5
21 19 16 19.6 20 15 19 21 0 17.5
4 Medical equipment 6 25 7 9 7 5.5 0 4 3 6/19 20 5 22 25 0
for disabled persons 21 20 15 [ex] [ex]
5 Transport of passengers 6 [ex] 7 9 7 5.5 [ex] 10 [ex] [ex] 10 5 8 6 0
(+see n° VI) 0 0 16 [ex] 3 6 0
[ex] 19
6 - Books 6/21 25 7 4,5 4/16 5.5/19.6 0 4/20 3 6 10 5 8 6 0
- Newspapers 0/6/21 0/25 7 4,5 4/16 2.1/19.6 13.5 4 3 6 10 5 0/22 6 0
- Periodicals 0/6/21 25 7 4,5 4/16 2.1/19.6 13.5 4/20 3 6 10 5 0/22 [ex]/6 0
7 - Admissions to cultural [ex] 25 [ex] [ex] (1) 5.5 [ex] 10 3 6 [ex] [ex] 8 6 17.5
services, shows 6 7 4,5 7 19.6 13.5 10 5
(cinema, theatre)
- Pay TV / cable TV 12/21 25 16 9 16 5.5 21 10 15 19 10 21 22 25 17.5
- TV licence [-] 25 [ex] [ex] 16 2.1 [ex] 4 [ex] [ex] 10 21 8 [ex] [ex]
8 Writers, composers, ... 6 [ex] 7 9 7 5.5 21 [ex] 3 6 20 21 [ex] 6 17.5
21 20 19 10 [ex]
[ex] [ex]
(1) supplied by bodies governed by public law or by other organisations recognised as charitable by the Member State concerned
-5-
II. APPLICATION OF REDUCED VAT RATES BY OLD MEMBER STATES TO THE CATEGORIES OF GOODS AND SERVICES CONTAINED IN ANNEX H OF DIRECTIVE
77/388/EEC
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption
Category BE DK DE EL ES FR IE IT LU NL AT PT FI SE UK
(1) (2)
9 Social housing 12 25 16 9 4 5.5 13.5 4 3 19 20 [ex] 22 25 17.5
19.6 10 15 5 [ex] 5
0
10 Agricultural inputs 6 25 7 9 7 5.5 13.5 4 3 6 20 5 22 25 17.5
12 10 15 10 17
21 20
11 Hotel accommodation 6 25 16 9 7 5.5 13.5 10 3 6 10 5 8 12 17.5
[ex]
12 Admission to 6 [ex] 7 9 7 19.6 [ex] 10 3 6 20 5 8 [ex] 17.5
sporting events [ex] 25 16 16 20 [ex] [ex] 6
13 Use of sporting facilities 6 [ex] [ex] 9 [ex] 19.6 13.5 20 3 6 20 5 8 6 [ex]
[ex] 25 16 16 [ex] [ex] [ex] 17.5
14 Social services 6 25 7 9 7 19.6 [ex] [ex] 3 19 0 21 [ex] [ex] [ex]
4
21 10 15 10 [ex] 25
[ex] 20 [ex]
15 Cremation services 6 [ex] 16 9 7 19.6 21 20 3 [ex] 20 [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex]
16 [ex]
16 Medical and 6 [ex] 7 9 7 19.6 [ex] [ex] 3 [ex] 10 [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex]
dental care 21 [ex] 5.5 21 [ex] 19 [ex] 5
[ex] [ex]
17 Collection of domestic 21 25 [-] 9 7 19.6 [ex] 10 3 19 10 [ex] 22 25 0
waste and street cleaning, 16 5.5 21 [ex] 5 17.5
...
(1) provided that all the conditions are fulfilled
(2) houses used as a principal dwelling
-6-
II(A). APPLICATION OF REDUCED VAT RATES BY THE NEW MEMBER STATES TO THE CATEGORIES OF GOODS AND SERVICES
CONTAINED IN ANNEX H OF DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [-] =out of scope; [*] not yet decided whether
standard or reduced rate
Category CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
(4)
1 Foodstuffs 5 18 0 18 5 15 0 3 8.5 19
5 5(2) 18 7
15
2 Water supplies 5 18 5 5 18 15 0 7 8.5 19
18(3)
3 Pharmaceutical products 5 5 0 5 5 5 0 7 8.5 19
(1) public radio and TV broadcasting, excluding those of a commercial nature, are exempt; services connected with cable TV and wire radio broadcasts are 5%
(2) products for infants
(3) drinking water supplies
(4) some confectionery is at 5%
(5) some equipment might be at 5%, but the final decision has not yet been taken
(6) scheduled transport of passengers. Other transport of passengers, eg. a taxi service, is at 15%
(7) services provided by public radio and public TV are exempted
(8) public radio and TV broadcasting, excluding those of a commercial nature, are exempt
-7-
II(A). APPLICATION OF REDUCED VAT RATES BY THE NEW MEMBER STATES TO THE CATEGORIES OF GOODS AND SERVICES CONTAINED IN ANNEX H OF
DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [-] =out of scope; [*] not yet decided whether
standard or reduced rate
Category CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
(2)
8 Writers, composers, … 5 18 5 [ex] 18 15 15 7 8.5 19
25
9 Social housing 5(1) 18 15 18 9 25 [ex] 7 8.5 19
12 Admission to 5 18 15 5 18 15 18 7 8.5 19
sporting events [ex]
13 Use of sporting facilities 5 18 15 18 18 15 18 7 8.5 19
[ex]
14 Social services [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] 18 [ex] [ex] 7 8.5 19
5 [ex]
15 Cremation services 5 5 5 5 18 15 18 7 8.5 19
16 Medical and [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] 7 [ex] [ex]
dental care 5
17 Collection of domestic 5 18 5 5 18 15 18 7 8.5 19
waste and street cleaning, 5
...
(1) flats within social housing
(2) performing artists' activities, artistic and literary creations
-8-
III. APPLICATION OF THE PARKING RATE IN CERTAIN MEMBER STATES
BELGIUM
Parking rate of 12% applicable to:
1. Certain energy products such as:
- coal and solid fuel obtained from coal
- lignite and agglomerated lignite (except for jet)
- coke and semi-coke from coal, lignite and peat
- uncharred petroleum coke used as fuel.
2. Certain tyres and inner tubes
IRELAND
Parking rate of 13.5% applicable to:
1. Energy for heating and light
2. Movable property used in the construction and maintenance of immovable property
3. Repair and maintenance of movable property
4. Services relating to the care of the human body
5. Certain specific tourist services
6. Services relating to photography
7. Services supplied by jockeys
8. Works of art and antiques
LUXEMBOURG
The parking rate of 12% applies to:
1. Solid mineral fuels, mineral oils and wood intended for use as fuel
2. Heat, air conditioning and steam
3. Unleaded petrol
4. Printed advertising matter; commercial and similar catalogues
5. Tourism publications
6. Travel agents’ and tour operators’ services
7. Advertising services
8. Services relating to the practice of a liberal profession
9. The safe custody and administration of securities and the administration of credit and
credit guarantees by a person or organisation other than that granting the credit
10. Washing and cleaning products
11. Tobacco products
12. Certain wines
13. Tailor-made clothing for men
AUSTRIA
Parking rate of 12% applicable to:
- Wine from farm production carried out by the producing farmer
-9-
IV. LIST OF SUPER-REDUCED RATES (LESS THAN 5%) APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES
- 10 -
IV. LIST OF SUPER-REDUCED RATES (LESS THAN 5%) APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES
- 11 -
V. CASES WHERE THE ZERO RATE IS APPLIED TO CONSUMPTION IN THE
LEGISLATION OF THE MEMBER STATES (ARTICLE 28(2)A OF THE SIXTH
VAT DIRECTIVE
BELGIUM
− Supplies of daily and weekly newspapers of general information
− Supplies of certain recovered materials and by-products
CZECH REPUBLIC
− In Czech legislation it is not possible to apply a zero rate (except in the sense of the
exemption with the right of deduction for cases such as: intra-Community supplies,
international passenger transport, transport of goods linked with its export or import,
etc.).
DENMARK
− Sales of newspapers normally published at a rate of more than one issue per month
ESTONIA
− Supply, charter and hire of certain seagoing vessels and aircraft (excluding vessels
used for sport and leisure), as well as repair, maintenance and other work carried out
on them. Also, supply and import of parts, spare parts and equipment to such vessels
and aircraft etc. (Information will be added when the Value Added Tax Act is
adopted).
IRELAND
− Supplies of books and pamphlets (excluding newspapers, periodicals, catalogues,
diaries, etc.)
− Supplies of food and drink intended for human consumption (excluding certain
products such as alcoholic beverages, manufactured beverages, ice-cream and
confectionery)
− Supplies of seeds, plants, trees, etc. used for food production
− Supplies of fertiliser in units of not less than 10 kg
− Supplies of animal feeding stuffs (excluding pet food)
− Supplies of orally administered medicines for human consumption
− Supplies of orally administered medicines for animal consumption (excluding those
for pets)
− Supplies of certain articles of feminine hygiene
− Supplies of medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, orthopaedic appliances
and other artificial parts of the body (excluding false teeth)
− Supplies of articles of clothing and footwear for children of average size under the
age of ten (excluding clothes made of fur or skin and articles of clothing and
footwear not marked with the size or age)
− Supplies of wax candles (plain, white and undecorated)
− Certain services provided by the Commissioners of Irish Lights
- 12 -
V. CASES WHERE THE ZERO RATE IS APPLIED TO CONSUMPTION IN THE LEGISLATION OF THE
MEMBER STATES (ARTICLE 28(2)A OF THE SIXTH VAT DIRECTIVE
ITALY
− Supplies of unwrought gold (in ingots, etc.)
− Supplies of land not capable of being used as building land
− Supplies of ferrous and non-ferrous metal scrap
CYPRUS
− Supplies of food and drink intended for human consumption (excluding supplies
made in the course of catering, certain products such as alcoholic beverages,
manufactured beverages, ice-cream, chocolate, confectionery, biscuits and savory
products)
− Supplies of pharmaceutical products, medicines and vaccines falling within C.N.
codes 30.02, 30.03 and 30.04
MALTA
− Supplies of food products for human or animal consumption, except for supplies of
pre-cooked dishes and certain highly processed products, such as ice-cream,
chocolates, manufactured beverages or beverages subject to excise duty, and pet
foods
− Supplies of seeds or other means of propagation of plants classified under the above
paragraph
− Supplies of live animals of a type generally used as, or yielding or producing, food
for human consumption
− Supplies of water other than water for enterprises, distilled or mineral water;
− Supplies of pharmaceuticals, medicines only where prescribed
− Supplies of aids to handicapped persons (excluding hearing aids, dental prostheses,
spectacles, etc.)
POLAND
− Books and specialist periodicals
FINLAND
− Newspapers and periodicals provided that they are sold on subscription for a period
of at least one month
− Printing services for membership publications of non-profit making organisations
SWEDEN
− Services with regard to production (basically printing services) of membership
periodicals, staff periodicals and periodicals issued by non-profit organisations,
including services related to such production, such as distribution services
− Medicine supplied on prescription or sold to hospitals or imported into the country to
be supplied on prescription or sold to hospitals
UNITED KINGDOM
− Supplies of books, newspapers, periodicals, sheet music, maps, etc.
− Supplies of food products for human or animal consumption, except for supplies of
pre-cooked dishes and certain highly processed products such as ice-cream,
- 13 -
V. CASES WHERE THE ZERO RATE IS APPLIED TO CONSUMPTION IN THE LEGISLATION OF THE
MEMBER STATES (ARTICLE 28(2)A OF THE SIXTH VAT DIRECTIVE
- 14 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope
(1) CDs which reproduce the sound of contents printed on paper (e.g.: a book)
- 15 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope;
N/A = not applicable; [*] = not yet decided whether standard or reduced rate
GOODS AND SERVICES CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
Beverages: Spirits 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Wine 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Beer 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Mineral water 5 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 8.5 19
Lemonade 5 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 8.5 19
Fruit juices 5 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 8.5 19
Clothing: Adults 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Children 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Footwear: Adults 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Children 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Tobacco 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Hifi-Video 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
CD / CD-roms 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Household electrical appliances 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Furs 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Jewels 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
- 16 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope
- 17 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope;
N/A = not applicable; [*] = not yet decided whether standard or reduced rate
GOODS AND SERVICES CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
(3)
Water 5 18 5/15 5/18 18 15 0 7 8.5 19
Natural gas 19 18 5 18 18 15 [-]/15(5) 22 20 19
Electricity 19 18 15 18 18 25 5 22 20 19
Firewood 19 18/5(2) 15 [ex](4)/18 18 15 18 22 20 19
Timber for industrial use 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Telecommunication services:
Phone/fax/telex/etc. 19 18 15 5 18 25 18 22 20 19
Pay TV/ cable TV [ex](1)/5 18 15 18 18 15 18 22 [ex](6)/20 19/[ex]
TV licence 5 18 15 18 18 15 [-] 22 20 19
Petroleum products:
Petrol (unleaded) 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Diesel fuel 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
LPG 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Heating oil 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Lubricants 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Motor vehicles 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
- 18 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope
Sea 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
- 19 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope;
N/A = not applicable; [*] = not yet decided whether standard or reduced rate
GOODS AND SERVICES CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
PASSENGER TRANSPORT
Domestic transport:
Air 5 18 15 18 5 15 0 7 8.5 19
Intra-community
and international transport:
Air 0 0 0 [ex] 0 0 0 0 0 19/0
- 20 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope
(1) 10% on food, 10% on milk and chocolate, 20% on coffee, tea and other alcoholic or not alcoholic beverages
(2) 12% from a restaurant, 21% from another shop
(3) 17.5% if bought on catering premises, 0% if bought elsewhere
- 21 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope;
N/A = not applicable; [*] = not yet decided whether standard or reduced rate
GOODS AND SERVICES CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
Hotels 5 5 5 5 5 15 5 7 8.5 19
Restaurant Services
Restaurants 19 18 5 18 18 15/25(1) 18 7 8.5 19
Take away 5 18 5 18 18 15/25(1) 18 22 8.5 19
Alcoholic beverages 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Bars and cafés
Bars and cafés 5 18 5 18 18 15/25(1) 18 22 20 19
Night clubs 5 18 15 18 18 15/25(1) 18 22 20 19
Alcoholic beverages 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 22 20 19
Cut flowers and plants:
Decorative use 5 18 15 18 18 15 18 22 20 19
Food production 5 18 5 18 18 15 18 22 20 19
- 22 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope
Renovation and repairing 6(1) 25 16 19 7(2) 5.5(3) 13.5(4) 10 3(6) 6(7) 20 5 22 25 17.5
(category 2 /Annex K) 21 19.6 20 15 19 21 5(8)
Building land [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] 16 19.6 [ex] 20 [ex] 19 [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex]
17.5
Supplies of new buildings 21 [ex] [ex] [ex] 7 19.6 13.5(4) 10 15 19 [ex] [ex] [ex] [ex] 0
16 20 17.5
(1) renovation and repairing of private dwellings completed more than 5 years ago
(2) bricklaying work for the repair of private dwellings
(3) renovation and repairing of private dwellings completed at least 2 years ago
(4) parking Rate
(5) houses used as a principal dwelling
(6) only substantial works on housing constructed more than 20 years prior to the start of the works
(7) painting and plastering services for the renovation and repairing of private dwellings more than 15 years old
(8) for the Isle of Man only
- 23 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope;
N/A = not applicable; [*] = not yet decided whether standard or reduced rate
GOODS AND SERVICES CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
Immovable property:
Social Housing (category 9 5 18 15 18 9 25 [ex] 7 8.5 19
/Annex H)
- 24 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope
Rate on importation (Article 12(3)(c) of the 6 25(3) 7(4) /16 9 7 5.5 13.5 10(5) 6 6 10 5/21 (7) 8/22 12 5
6th Directive) [m]
Supplies by creators and occasional sales 6 25(3) 7(4) /16 9 7 5.5 13.5 10(5) 6 6 10 5/21 (7) 8/22 12 17.5
(2nd subparagraph of Article 12(3)(c) of the
6th Directive
(1) supplies within the framework of legal aid or the appointment of a lawyer of its own motion
(2) supplies within the framework of legal aid or the appointment of a lawyer of its own motion; automatic designation; supplies relating to the right of persons and of the family; supplies relating to the labour law
(3) DK: In respect of Article 12(3)(c) Denmark reduces the taxable amount to 20% to which the 25% rate is applied, resulting in an effective rate of 5% for imports of both works of art and antiques. Similarly, the taxable
amount in respect of supplies by creators is reduced by 20% to which the 25% rate applies, resulting in an effective rate of 5%.
(4) DE: The reduced rate applies on works of art and collector’s items
(5) IE: 13.5% applies on works of art and on antiques
(6) IT: “Occasional sales” are taxable at the standard rate.
(7) PT: The reduced rate applies only on works of art. In Madeira and Azores, the standard rate is 15% and the reduced rate is 4%.
- 25 -
VI. VAT RATES GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE MEMBER STATES TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS OR SERVICES
0 = zero rate (exemption with refund of tax paid at preceding stage); [ex] = exemption; [m] = taxation on the margin; [-] =out of scope;
N/A = not applicable; [*] = not yet decided whether standard or reduced rate
GOODS AND SERVICES CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
Arrangements for the taxation of gold:
Ingots and bars [ex] 18 [ex] 18 [ex] [ex] 0 22 20 [ex]
19 18 25
- 26 -
VII. VAT RATES APPLIED BY OLD MEMBER STATES TO THE LABOUR-INTENSIVE SERVICES CONTAINED IN ANNEX K OF
DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC
ANNEX K BE DK DE EL ES FR IE IT LU NL AT PT FI SE UK
List of supplies of services referred to in
article 28 (6)
1. Small services of repairing:
a) bicycles 6 25 16 19 16 19.6 13.5 20 6 6 20 21 22 25 17.5
(1) Renovation and repairing of private dwellings completed more than 5 years ago
(2) Bricklaying work for the repair of private dwellings
(3) Renovation and repairing of private dwellings completed at least 2 years ago
(4) Painting and plastering services for the renovation and repairing of private dwellings more than 15 years old
(5) For the Isle of Man only
- 27 -
VII(A). VAT RATES APPLIED BY THE NEW STATES TO THE LABOUR-INTENSIVE SERVICES CONTAINED IN ANNEX K OF
DIRECTIVE 77/388/EEC
ANNEX K CZ EE CY LV LT HU MT PL SI SK
List of supplies of services
referred to in article 28 (6)
1. Small services of
repairing:
d) bicycles 19 18 15 18 18 25 18 7 20 19
- 28 -
VIII. GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THE APPLICATION OF VAT IN THE
COMMUNITY
CZECH REPUBLIC
There are no regions within the Czech Republic where special VAT rates are applied.
For VAT purposes, customs free zones and warehouses are not considered as a part of
the territory of the country
DENMARK
The Faeroe Islands and Greenland are not part of the European Union; consequently,
VAT (according to the 6th directive) is not applicable on these territories.
GERMANY
For VAT purposes, the country does not include the island of Heligoland or the territory
of Büsingen.
GREECE
For the departments of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, the Dodecanese and the Cyclades, and on
the Aegean islands of Thassos, the Northern Sporades, Samothrace and Skiros, the rates
of 4%, 9% and 19% have been reduced by 30% to 3%, 6% and 13% respectively. These
rates apply to imports, intra-Community acquisitions, supplies of goods and services
effected on these islands and supplies of goods from other areas of Greece to persons
established on these islands. This preferential system does not, however, apply to
tobacco products and means of transport.
Mount Athos is excluded from the scope of VAT.
SPAIN
For VAT purposes, the country does not include the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla.
FRANCE
Special rates apply in Corsica and the overseas departments (DOM):
a) CORSICA
0.90%: certain theatrical shows and circuses, sales of live meat and charcuterie
animals to persons not liable to pay tax;
2.10%: goods supplied in Corsica to which the reduced rates are applicable in
mainland France;
8%: certain work on immovable property, agricultural equipment and sales for
consumption on the premises, sales of electricity supplied at low voltage;
13%: petroleum products;
The standard rate applicable in Corsica is the same as in the rest of the country: 19.6%.
b) DOM
In the overseas departments, but not French Guiana, a reduced rate of 2.10% and a
standard rate of 8.5% are applicable.
- 29 -
VIII. GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF THE APPLICATION OF VAT IN THE COMMUNITY
c) MONACO
Goods and services supplied to or from the Principality of Monaco are regarded as
having been supplied to or from France.
ITALY
The following territories are excluded from the scope of VAT: Livigno, Campione
d’Italia and the territorial waters of Lake Lugano.
CYPRUS
Transactions originating in, or intended for, the United Kingdom Sovereign Base Areas
of Akrotiri and Dhekelia are treated as transactions originating in or intended for the
Republic of Cyprus.
The application of the acquis is suspended in those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in
which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control.
AUSTRIA
A special rate of 16% applies in Jungholz and Mittelberg.
PORTUGAL
Special rates apply in the Azores and Madeira:
4%: reduced rate;
8%: parking rate;
15%: standard rate.
FINLAND
The Aaland island is not part of the European Union.
UNITED KINGDOM
Goods and services supplied to or from the Isle of Man are regarded as having been
supplied to or from the United Kingdom.
- 30 -
IX. THE EVOLUTION OF VAT RATES APPLICABLE IN THE MEMBER
STATES
Belgium
1/01/1971 6 18 25 14
1/01/1978 6 16 25 -
1/12/1980 6 16 25 | 25+5 -
1/07/1981 6 17 25 | 25+5 -
1/09/1981 6 17 25 | 25+8 -
1/03/1982 1|6 17 25 | 25+8 -
1/01/1983 1|6 19 25 | 25+8 17
1/04/1992 1 | 6 | 12 19.5 - -
1/01/1994 1 | 6 | 12 20.5 - 12
1/01/1996 1 | 6 | 12 21 - 12
1/01/2000 6 21 - 12
Czech Republic
1/01/1993 5 23 - -
1/01/1995 5 22 - -
29/04/2004 5 19 - -
Denmark
3/07/1967 - 10 - -
1/04/1968 - 12.5 - -
29/06/1970 - 15 - -
29/09/1975 9.25 15 - -
1/03/1976 - 15 - -
3/10/1977 - 18 - -
1/10/1978 - 20.25 - -
30/06/1980 - 22 - -
1/01/1992 - 25 - -
Germany
1/01/1968 5 10 - -
1/07/1968 5.5 11 - -
1/01/1978 6 12 - -
1/07/1979 6.5 13 - -
1/07/1983 7 14 - -
1/01/1993 7 15 - -
1/04/1998 7 16 - -
Estonia
-1991 - 10 - -
1993-… - 18 - -
2000-… 5 18 - -
Greece
1/01/1987 3|6 18 36 -
1/01/1988 3|6 16 36 -
28/04/1990 4|8 18 36 -
8/08/1992 4|8 18 - -
01/04/2005 4,5| 9 19 - -
Spain
1/01/1986 6 12 33 -
1/01/1992 6 13 28 -
1/08/1992 6 15 28 -
1/01/1993 3|6 15 - -
1/01/1995 4|7 16 - -
- 31 -
IX. THE EVOLUTION OF VAT RATES APPLICABLE IN THE MEMBER STATES
France
1/01/1968 (1) 6 16.66 20 13
1/12/1968 (1) 7 19 25 15
1/01/1970 7.5 23 33.33 17.6
1/01/1973 7 20 33.33 17.6
1/01/1977 7 17.6 33.33 -
1/07/1982 (2) 4 | 5.5 | 7 18.6 33.33 -
1/01/1986 4 | 5.5 | 7 18.6 33.33 -
1/07/1986 2.1 | 4 | 5.5 | 7 | 13 18.6 33.33 -
17/09/1987 2.1 | 4 | 5.5 | 7 | 13 18.6 33.33 28
1/12/1988 2.1 | 4 | 5.5 | 7 | 13 18.6 28 -
1/01/1989 2.1 | 5.5 | 13 18.6 28 -
8/09/1989 2.1 | 5.5 | 13 18.6 25 | 28 -
1/01/1990 2.1 | 5.5 | 13 18.6 25 -
13/09/1990 2.1 | 5.5 | 13 18.6 22 -
29/07/1991 2.1 | 5.5 18.6 22 -
1/01/1993 2.1 | 5.5 18.6 - -
1/08/1995 2.1 | 5.5 20.6 - -
1/04/2000 2.1 | 5.5 19.6 - -
(1) Up to 1.1.1970, the VAT rates were applicable to a price inclusive of VAT itself.
As from 1.1.1970, the VAT rates apply to prices net of tax.
(2) 4% rate 1.7.1982 to 1.1.1986 was provisional.
Ireland
1/11/1972 1 | 5.26 16.37 30.26 11.11
3/09/1973 1 | 6.75 19.5 36.75 11.11
1/03/1976 10 20 35 | 40 -
1/03/1979 1 | 10 20 - -
1/05/1980 1 | 10 25 - -
1/09/1981 1.5 | 15 25 - -
1/05/1982 1.8 | 18 30 - -
1/03/1983 2.3 | 23 35 - -
1/05/1983 2.3 | 5 | 18 23 | 35 - -
1/07/1983 2 | 5 | 18 23 | 35 - -
1/05/1984 2 | 5 | 8 | 18 23 | 35 - -
1/03/1985 2.2 | 10 23 - -
1/03/1986 2.4 | 10 25 - -
1/05/1987 1.7 | 10 25 - -
1/03/1988 1.4 | 5 | 10 25 - -
1/03/1989 2 | 5 | 10 25 - -
1/03/1990 2.3 | 10 23 - -
1/03/1991 2.3 | 10 | 12.5 21 - -
1/03/1992 2.7 | 10 | 12.5 21 - 16
1/03/1993 2.5 | 12.5 21 - 12.5
1/01/1996 2.8 | 12.5 21 - 12.5
1/03/1997 3.3 | 12.5 21 - 12.5
1/03/1998 3.6 | 12.5 21 - 12.5
1/03/1999 4 | 12.5 21 - 12.5
1/03/2000 4.2 | 12.5 21 - 12.5
1/01/2001 4.3 | 12.5 20 - 12.5
1/03/2002 4.3 | 12.5 21 - 12.5
1/01/2003 4.3 | 13.5 21 - 13.5
1/01/2004 4.4 | 13.5 21 - 13.5
- 32 -
IX. THE EVOLUTION OF VAT RATES APPLICABLE IN THE MEMBER STATES
Italy
1/01/1973 6 12 18 -
1/01/1975 6 12 30 18
18/03/1976 6 12 30 18
10/05/1976 6|9 12 30 18
23/12/1976 1|3|6|9 12 30 18
8/02/1977 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 14 35 18
3/07/1980 2|8 15 35 18
1/11/1980 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 14 35 15 | 18
1/01/1981 2|8 15 35 18
5/08/1982 2 | 8 | 10 | 15 18 38 20
19/04/1984 2 | 8 | 10 | 15 18 30 | 38 20
20/12/1984 2|9 18 30 -
1/08/1988 2|9 19 38 -
1/01/1989 4|9 19 38 -
13/05/1991 4 | 9 | 12 19 38 -
1/01/1993 4|9 19 - 12
1/01/1994 4|9 19 - 13
24/02/1995 4 | 10 19 - 16
1/10/1997 4 | 10 20 - -
Cyprus
1/07/1992 - 5 - -
1/10/1993 - 8 - -
1/07/2000 5 10 - -
1/01/2002 5 13 - -
1/01/2003 5 15 - -
Latvia
1/05/1995 - 18 - -
1/01/2003 9 18 - -
1/05/2004 5 18 - -
Lithuania
1/05/1994 - 18 - -
1/08/1994 9 18 - -
1/01/1997 - 18 - -
1/05/2000 5 18 - -
1/01/2001 5/9 18 - -
Luxembourg
1/01/1970 4 8 - -
1/01/1971 2|5 10 - -
1/07/1983 3|6 12 - -
1/01/1992 3|6 15 - -
1/01/1993 3|6 15 - 12
Hungary
1/01/1988 0 | 15 25 - -
1/01/1993 0|6 25 - -
1/08/1993 10 25 - -
1/01/1995 0 | 12 25 - -
1/01/2004 5 | 15 25 - -
Malta
1/01/1995 5 15 - -
1/01/1999 5 15 - -
1/01/2004 5 18 - -
- 33 -
IX. THE EVOLUTION OF VAT RATES APPLICABLE IN THE MEMBER STATES
Austria
1/01/1973 8 16 - -
1/01/1976 8 18 - -
1/01/1978 8 18 - 30
1/01/1981 13 | 8 18 - 30
1/01/1984 10 20 - 32
1/01/1992 10 20 - -
1/01/1995 10 20 - 12
Poland
8/01/1993 3|7 22 - -
Portugal
1/01/1986 8 16 30 -
1/02/1988 8 17 30 -
24/03/1992 (1) 5 16 30 -
1/01/1995 5 17 - -
1/07/1996 5 | 12 17 - -
5/06/2002 5 | 12 19 - -
1/07/2005 5 | 12 21
(1) On 24 March 1992 Portugal abolished the zero-rate. All goods and services previously zero-rated are now
taxed at 5%.
Slovenia
1/07/1999 8 19 - -
1/01/2002 8.5 20 - -
Slovak Republic
1/01/1993 5 23 - -
1/08/1993 6 25 - -
1/01/1996 6 23 - -
1/07/1999 10 23 - -
1/01/2003 14 20 - -
1/01/2004 - 19 - -
Finland
1/06/1994 12 | 5 22 - -
1/01/1995 17 | 12 | 6 22 - -
1/01/1998 17 | 8 22 - -
- 34 -
IX. THE EVOLUTION OF VAT RATES APPLICABLE IN THE MEMBER STATES
United-Kingdom
1/04/1973 - 10 - -
29/07/1974 - 8 - -
18/11/1974 - 8 25 -
12/04/1976 - 8 12.5 -
18/06/1979 - 15 - -
1/04/1991 - 17.5 - -
1/04/1994 - 17.5 - 8
1/01/1995 8 17.5 - -
1/09/1997 5 17.5 - -
- 35 -