Since January 1, 2023, there has been total opacity regarding the price of self-tests against covid. It can go from 2.50 euros to almost 4 euros depending on the chosen pharmacy. It can be found for less than 2 euros on the internet. The main reason is regulatory. Until December 31, 2022, a repealing decree allowed 0% VAT on this device. Since then, there have been no new regulations and pharmacists are a bit on their own.
Some apply the VAT rate to 20%, the initial rate before the decree. The rest are at 0% VAT. Still others apply the 5.5% VAT that prevails on Covid-linked protective equipment and hygiene products, even if self-tests are not officially part of the list.
400,000 self-tests sold per day in December
However, the solution is simple for Audrey Lecoq. It is enough to add the self-tests to the list of products that can benefit from the reduced VAT rate, as is the case today with masks, gloves or hydroalcoholic gels until the end of the year. The Primary Health Insurance Fund has been alerted, with no response at the moment.
Lack of clarity for patients. “No one seems to orient themselves anymore. And in all this, if we respect the rule, 20% VAT on the price, it is the consumer who feels it happen”, adds Audrey Lecoq. A possible brake on the purchase that could deter consumers.
However, the device remains essential in the anti-epidemic strategy, even if most of the barrier measures against the virus have been lifted. It is used especially in cases of contact, or in anticipation of family gatherings as happened last December before Christmas. Pharmacies sold between 300,000 and 400,000 daily in December. The sales level has continued to fall ever since, falling to less than 30,000 self-tests on January 30.
Source: BFM TV
