BIR exempts eight more medicines from VAT

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has exempted eight more medicines from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) to lower the cost and make them affordable to users.

These medicines are utilized for treatment of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.

BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay came with the list after receiving an advice from the Food and Drug Administration for their inclusion in the long items of VAT-free medicines used for the treatment of serious illnesses including cancer.

Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 101-2920 identified the latest batch as Cilazapril, Alogliptin, Metformin, Azilsartan Medoxomil (potassium).

Zofenopril (calcium), Insulin Degludec, Urapidil and Liraglutide.