9 More Essential Medicines Exempted From VAT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added nine drug products to the list of essential medicines that are exempted from value-added tax (VAT) as mandated by law.

- By RHODINA VILLANUEVA

In its Advisory No. 2025-0498, the FDA endorsed nine more medicines that must be VAT-exempt as provided by Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.

The move aims to make the medicines affordable to the public.

"FDA is directed to identify and transmit the VAT-exempt health products to other implementing agencies," the FDA said.

The agency added, "In this regard, provided below are the latest updates on the list of VAT-exempt health products pursuant to RA No. 11534, effective upon the issuance of this advisory."