Petition · past parliament
Once the UK is not bound by EU legislation remove the 20% VAT on e-literature
Closed
42 signatures
What the petition asks
Ebooks and paid e-literature (electronic newspaper/magazine subscriptions) carry 20% VAT but paper books, newspapers and magazines are zero rated for VAT.
In the past we have been told that EU legislation prevents a 0% VAT rate and that e-literature is a 'service'.
In the past we have been told that EU legislation prevents a 0% VAT rate and that e-literature is a 'service'.
After BREXIT the UK will set VAT rates on this.
Claiming e-formats are a service but paper is not is ridiculous since both formats require:
an author
an editor
formatting
Only paper requires tree felling, transport, manufacture, printing, storage, eventual disposal. Re-pulped books require de-inking & disposal of toxic waste.
e-formats need little oil, produce little toxic waste & add almost nothing to carbon emissions.
The government should encourage e-formats by removing this bizarre VAT.
Claiming e-formats are a service but paper is not is ridiculous since both formats require:
an author
an editor
formatting
Only paper requires tree felling, transport, manufacture, printing, storage, eventual disposal. Re-pulped books require de-inking & disposal of toxic waste.
e-formats need little oil, produce little toxic waste & add almost nothing to carbon emissions.
The government should encourage e-formats by removing this bizarre VAT.
Timeline
| 13 Mar 2017 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 2 May 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
42
Status
Closed
Opened
13 Mar 2017
Closed
2 May 2017
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.