On 9 April 2020, the Cyprus Customs Authorities issued Circular EE – «Μ» (67) relating to the European Commission's decision authorizing EU Member States to provide relief from import duties and a VAT exemption on imports of goods needed to combat the effects of COVID-19.
The goods that fall under this relief/exemption are medical equipment, supplies, and consumables imported into Cyprus between 30 January 2020 and 31 July 2020.
A list of products that may be imported duty and VAT-free has been issued by the Commission and is attached to the customs circular.
To be eligible for the relief/exemption, the imported goods must satisfy one of the following requirements:
1) The goods are intended to be either:
i) Distributed free of charge by the bodies and organisations referred to in point (2) below to persons affected by or at risk from COVID-19 or persons involved in combating COVID-19; or
ii) Made available free of charge to persons affected by or at risk from COVID-19 or persons involved in combating COVID-19 while remaining the property of the bodies and organisations referred to in point (2) below.
2) The goods are imported for release into free circulation by or on behalf of state organisations including state bodies, public bodies and other bodies governed by public law, or by or on behalf of organisations approved by the competent authorities in the member states.
3) The goods are imported for release into free circulation by or on behalf of disaster relief agencies to meet their needs during the period they provide disaster relief to persons affected by or at risk from COVID-19 or persons involved in combatting COVID-19.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
