Norwegian masseurs are furious about removed VAT exemption: “This is a crisis for the industry”

From the New Year, the VAT exemption for massage and other alternative health treatment will be removed. The massage industry is critical of the move and warns of higher prices.

The introduction of VAT for alternative health care was approved in next year’s state budget, something both the government and the Labor Party (AP) proposed.

“This is poorly thought out and will have major consequences, not least for the patients,” board chairman Vivi Ann Waggestad at the Norwegian Massage Association told E24.

She says that massage therapy is not particularly alternative and that removing the VAT exemption will lead to a crisis for the industry.

“VAT will lead to increased administrative costs and increased costs for customers. Only those who can afford to seek alternative treatment will do so,” Waggestad said.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today