Cyprus cuts VAT to zero on meat, bread, milk and coffee
The Council of Ministers has approved a decree setting a zero VAT rate on a basket of staples, with the measure running until the end of May 2027.
Basic foodstuffs will carry no VAT for several months after the Council of Ministers signed off on the tax break, as reported by Cyprus Mail. Fresh and frozen meat gets the zero rate first, from October 1, 2026, while bread, milk, coffee, sugar and baby food follow from October 12, 2026.
Both stages of the relief last until May 31, 2027, according to the tax department. Beef, pork, and sheep and goat meat are covered, but prepared items such as sausages, sheftalia, nuggets and marinated or smoked cuts stay on the reduced rate.
Shoppers will still pay the usual VAT on takeaway coffee, crisps, sweets and pastries.
What it means for residents
The change is worth planning around, since it touches the weekly grocery run rather than a one-off purchase.
- Timing matters. Meat loses the tax a fortnight before the rest of the list, so the first days of October are the moment to watch receipts.
- Read the label. Fresh cuts and plain staples qualify, while ready meals, snacks and drinks are excluded — the discount will not show on every item in the trolley.
- Budget check. The relief ends on May 31, 2027, so prices at the till can be expected to shift again next summer.
This text is written from the source article and is not a translation of it.
