Norway to remove VAT on electronic books

Norway said Wednesday that it will remove value added tax (VAT) on electronic books and streaming services from July 1 to make e-books in Norwegian language more competitive than those in English language.

"This is gratifying for Norwegian literature and for Norwegian book lovers. Now it becomes cheaper to read your favourite book digitally," Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality Trine Skei Grande said in a statement.

Norway's removal of VAT for e-books follows up tax exemption for newspapers, which was introduced three years ago, according to the statement.

The measure was introduced after close cooperation between the authorities and Norwegian book and media industry, and will ensure an equal tax-related treatment of printed and electronic journals, the statement said.