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BIR exempts more COVID-19 drugs from VAT

Philippines | National

BIR exempts more COVID-19 drugs from VAT

By Jun Ramirez

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has updated the list of coronavirus (COVID-19) drugs exempted from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT).

BIR Commissioner Caesar R. Dulay issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 2-2022 containing the names of these medicines based on the latest resolution issued by the Department of Health.

They included Ketamine, Propofol, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hyoscine, Clonazepam, Diazepam, Medazolam, Haloperidol, Dobutamine, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Butamirate, Levodropropize, Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Fluticasone, Acetated Ringer's, Balanced Multiple Replacement Solution Dextrose, Dextrose in Water, Lactated Ringer's Solution, Sodium+Dextrose, Atracuruim, Rocuronium, Vacuronium and Norepinephrine.

Dulay said the drugs are exempted from VAT if prescribed by doctors for the treatment of COVID-19.

They are classified as anaesthetics, analgesics, anticholinergic, sedatives, haemostatics, antivertigo, cardiac, cough and cold preparations, antiasthma, intravenous solutions and neuromascular blocking agents.

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