Denmark to Abolish VAT on Books to Tackle “Reading Crisis”

Denmark has announced plans to eliminate its 25% value-added tax on books—the highest book VAT in the world—as part of a bold effort to address a growing “reading crisis.”

Culture Minister Jakob Engel‑Schmidt unveiled the proposal, which is part of the upcoming national budget, aimed at making literature more affordable and increasing reading levels, especially among children.

The policy is expected to cost the government approximately 330 million kroner (~£38 million) annually. While Denmark’s Nordic neighbors apply VAT exemptions or reduced rates to books—0% in Norway, 6% in Sweden, and 14% in Finland—the high Danish rate has hindered accessibility.

To complement the tax reform, the government also plans stronger collaboration between schools and public libraries. However, the minister cautions that if prices don’t fall after VAT abolition, he will reconsider the measure’s effectiveness. 

Source: The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/20/denmark-to-abolish-vat-on-books-in-effort-to-get-more-people-reading#:~:text=Denmark%20is%20to%20stop%20charging,a%20growing%20“reading%20crisis”.