EU Commission prolongs the temporary relief for customs duties and VAT on the import of medical devices and protective equipment until 31 October 2020.
On 23 July 2020 the European Commission decided to prolong by 3 months the temporary relief for customs duties and VAT on the import of medical devices and protective equipment from third countries until 31 October 2020 (formerly 31 July 2020). The measure covers masks and protective equipment, as well as testing kits, ventilators and other medical equipment needed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
The duty and VAT free importation applies to:
- state organisations (state bodies, public bodies and other bodies governed by public law including hospitals, governmental organisations, communes/towns, regional governments, etc.); and
- charitable or philanthropic organisations approved by the competent authorities of the Member States.
The Maltese Customs authority has a procedure in place that needs to be adhered to for the relief to be granted.
Originally published 24 July 2020
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