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V16.812 VAT—NHS dispensing doctors

VAT Information Sheet 6/95, 1 April 1995

This information sheet explains changes to the zero rate for prescribed drugs which take effect from 1 April 1995. From that date the supply of NHS drugs or appliances, by GPs authorised or required to provide NHS pharmacy services (dispensing doctors), can be zero-rated for VAT purposes. This amplifies the existing zero rate for prescribed goods dispensed by pharmacists. It resolves VAT liability difficulties which arose following a change in the VAT status of GPs in March 1993. The change addresses concerns expressed by NHS dispensing doctors about the anomalous VAT treatment of the drugs they dispense.

1 Background

Prior to March 1993 GPs were treated for VAT purposes as providing non-business health care as part of the NHS. This meant that all GPs' NHS activities were outside the scope of VAT. A number of GPs challenged this arrangement. Many considered that they were disadvantaged by it. Following representations from the medical profession Customs and Excise agreed to end this long-standing arrangement. GPs are now