MINA News

Government urged not to increase VAT on books

Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The Association of Publishers and Booksellers of Montenegro has appealed to the Government not to adopt the proposed increase in the value-added tax (VAT) on books, stating that it would undoubtedly have far-reaching negative consequences on culture, education, and the accessibility of books.

President of the Association of Publishers and Booksellers of Montenegro Radomir Uljarevic said in response to the proposed VAT increase from seven percent to 15 percent that, at a time when books were already threatened by the growing use of mobile phones and digital media, an additional VAT increase would reduce the presence of books in their traditional form.

He added that books were essential for the preservation of culture and education.

“As a small country with a rich but vulnerable cultural heritage, Montenegro should invest efforts in promoting reading and the accessibility of books, rather than implementing measures that will make them less accessible,” stated a press release issued by the Association

According to him, VAT standards for books vary among different countries, but in most European countries, books are taxed at a reduced VAT rate lower than the standard VAT rate.