EU Commission exempts imports of medical equipment from non-EU countries from customs duties and VAT

The European Commission temporarily exempts imports of medical equipment from non-EU countries from customs duties and VAT. This was decided on April 3, 2020 by applications from the EU member states and the United Kingdom. As a contribution to the fight against the corona virus, the aim is to make it easier for doctors, nurses and patients to receive the urgently needed medical equipment.

The regulation initially applies for 6 months.

The measure affects masks and protective equipment, as well as test kits, ventilators and other medical equipment. It is valid for a period of six months, but can be extended even further. The decision applies retrospectively to all imports from 30 January 2020.