Sorry ... No GST holiday for dietary supplements
Posted by Michael L on
A GST holiday, also known as a tax holiday, is a temporary period during which certain goods are exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or other taxes. This initiative is often implemented by governments to stimulate consumer spending and boost the economy. The Canadian government announced a GST holiday for certain items.
Unfortunately, Dietary supplements are not food or beverages and therefore do not qualify for the temporary GST/HST relief.
Excerpt form CRA website (Dec 13, 2024)
Canada Revenue Agency website https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/child-and-family-benefits/gst-hst-holiday-tax-break.html#toc0
Dietary supplements are consumed for their therapeutic or preventive effects or to achieve specific beneficial effects related to performance or physique. Dietary supplements are usually made with natural or synthetic ingredients and include products that contain natural or synthetic ingredients and include products such as vitamins, minerals, tonics, fibre, protein, amino acids, fatty acids, enzymes, herbal supplements, or compounds derived from plant or animal products.
Examples of dietary supplements include:
- Vitamins and minerals, such as multivitamin products
- Protein isolate powder
- Energy shots or wellness shots
- Detox and cleanse products
- Fibre mixes and supplements
- Herbal supplements
If a product has a Drug Identification Number (DIN), a Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM), or a Natural Product Number (NPN) as required by Health Canada it is a dietary supplement and does not qualify for the temporary GST/HST relief.