FDA adds 15 health products to VAT-exempt list

THE Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added 15 products to the list of essential medicines exempted from the Value-Added Tax (VAT) as provided by law.

Based on Advisory No. 2024-1063, the FDA said there are 15 more medicines that must be VAT-exempt to make them more affordable to the people.

“(The) latest updates on the list of VAT-exempt health products pursuant to Republic Act No. 11534 will be effective upon the issuance of this Advisory,” said the FDA.

Included in the list are medicines for cancer, namely, Avelumab 200 mg/ 10 mL (20 mg/mL); Acalabrutinib 100 mg; Olaparib 100 mg; Olaparib 150 mg; Trastuzumab 440 mg; Trastuzumab 150 mg; and Trastuzumab deruxtecan 100 mg.

Also in the list is the medicine for high cholesterol, particularly Rosuvastatin (as Calcium) 10 mg.

Medicines for hypertension Olmesartan medoxomil 10 mg; Perindopril (as arginine) 5 mg; Perindopril (as arginine) 10 mg; Indapamide + Amlodipine (as besilate) 1.5 mg/10 mg; and Indapamide + Amlodipine (as besilate) 1.5 mg/5mg are also in the list.

The FDA said the list also includes medicine for mental illness, namely Sodium Valproate 200 mg/5 mL; and Valproic Acid 250 mg/5 mL.

Under RA No. 11534, certain health products including, drugs for hypertension, cancer, mental illnesses, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol, shall be exempted from VAT.

The law mandates the FDA to identify and transmit the list of VAT-Exempt health products to other implementing agencies, such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).