They argue the measure will help crack down on tax evasion in the sector, which is estimated at over EUR450 million.
Pro Agro federation head, Alex Jurconi, said employers in the meat industry are hoping the proposition to lower the sales tax on meat and meat products to 5% will be included on IMF’s agenda at its upcoming review mission in Bucharest.
“We are calling on the Romanian Government and the IMF to take into account our propositions and invite the associations in the sector at roundtable talks,” Jurconi added.
Mid-April 2014, employers in the Romanian agricultural sector called on the government to reduce the sales tax on meat and meat products to 5%.
Romania lowered the sales tax on bread to 9% from 24% starting September 2013. To offset the measure’s impact on budget revenues, authorities decided to increase excises on alcohol and introduce excise taxes on luxury products.
Agriculture Minister Daniel Constantin said last year that Romania was considering reducing the sales tax on meat starting 2014 and further extend the measure to vegetables, fruit and milk.