Key facts
- Zero-rated means the VAT rate is 0% — but the supply is still “taxable.”
- You can reclaim input VAT on purchases related to zero-rated supplies.
- Common examples: most food, children’s clothes, books, newspapers, exports.
- Zero-rated is not the same as exempt — exempt supplies block input VAT recovery.
Which Goods and Services Are Zero-Rated for VAT
A zero-rated supply is taxable at 0%. You don’t add VAT to the price, but the supply still counts towards your taxable turnover. Crucially, you can reclaim input VAT on your business purchases.[1]
Zero-Rated vs Exempt
| Zero-Rated | Exempt | |
|---|---|---|
| VAT charged to customer | 0% | None |
| Counts as taxable turnover | Yes | No |
| Can reclaim input VAT | Yes | No |
Main Zero-Rated Categories
The main zero-rated items are:[3]
- Most food — basic foodstuffs (not catering, hot food, confectionery, or restaurant meals)[2]
- Children’s clothing and footwear
- Books, newspapers, and magazines (print and digital)
- Water and sewerage (domestic supply)
- Prescription medicines and medical equipment
- New residential buildings (first sale by builder)
- Public transport (bus, train, domestic flights)
- Exports (goods sent outside the UK)
- Sanitary products (from January 2021)
- Charity-funded equipment for disabled people
Food: What’s Zero-Rated and What’s Not
| Zero-Rated (0%) | Standard-Rated (20%) |
|---|---|
| Bread, milk, fruit, vegetables | Confectionery (chocolate, sweets, crisps) |
| Tea, coffee, sugar | Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks |
| Frozen food for home cooking | Hot takeaway food |
| Biscuits (plain) | Chocolate biscuits |
Why does it matter? If you mainly make zero-rated supplies, you’ll regularly claim VAT refunds from HMRC. You charge 0% to customers but reclaim the VAT you pay on ingredients, equipment, and overheads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does zero-rated mean for VAT?
Zero-rated means the VAT rate is 0%. You do not charge VAT to customers, but the supply still counts as taxable, meaning you can reclaim input VAT on your related business purchases.
What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt?
Zero-rated supplies are taxable at 0% and you can reclaim input VAT on related costs. Exempt supplies are not taxable, do not count towards your taxable turnover, and you cannot reclaim input VAT on purchases used to make them.
Is food zero-rated for VAT?
Most basic food for home consumption is zero-rated, including bread, milk, fruit, vegetables, meat, and plain biscuits. However, confectionery, crisps, alcoholic and soft drinks, hot takeaway food, and restaurant meals are standard-rated at 20%.
Are children’s clothes zero-rated?
Yes. Children’s clothing and footwear are zero-rated at 0% VAT.
Do zero-rated sales count towards the VAT registration threshold?
Yes. Zero-rated supplies are still taxable and count towards your VAT taxable turnover. If your total taxable turnover (including zero-rated sales) exceeds £90,000, you must register for VAT.
Further Reading
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Sources
- VAT rates — GOV.UK
- Food products (VAT Notice 701/14) — GOV.UK
- Rates of VAT on different goods and services — GOV.UK