The Government of Grenada has taken another significant step in delivering relief to households and businesses through its recently announced Cost of Living Assistance Programme, with the publication of the preliminary list of businesses eligible to participate in the upcoming VAT-Free Weekend.
The preliminary list of suppliers is available on the Ministry of Finance website. The Inland Revenue Division (IRD) is advising businesses whose names do not appear on the published list, but believe they meet the qualifying requirements, to submit their appeals no later than 19 August 2026, by contacting the Inland Revenue Division.
The VAT-Free Weekend forms part of a broader package of measures announced in July by Minister for Finance Hon. Dennis Cornwall to help ease the burden of rising living costs on Grenadian families. The initiative comes in response to persistent inflationary pressures affecting food and fuel prices, driven largely by ongoing global economic disruptions.
In an Extraordinary Gazette published on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, Government formalised several measures under the Cost of Living Assistance Programme through the publication of 4 Statutory Rules and Orders (SRO).
- SRO No. 16 of 2026 — The Customs (Service Charge) (Petrol) Order, 2026
- SRO No. 17 of 2026 — The Supplies Control (Petrol Prices) Regulations, 2026
- SRO No. 18 of 2026 — The Value Added Tax (Amendment of Third Schedule) Order, 2026
- SRO No. 19 of 2026 — The Value Added Tax (VAT-Free Period — August) Order, 2026
Together, these measures are designed to provide direct financial relief to consumers through reduced fuel costs and temporary tax-free shopping opportunities.
Under the Value Added Tax (VAT-Free Period — August) Order, 2026, the Minister of Finance, acting under the authority granted by Section 67 of the Value Added Tax Act, Chapter 333A, has declared a VAT-free period from 12:01 am on Friday, 28 August 2026, to 11:59 pm on Saturday, 29 August 2026.
During this period, qualifying goods will be treated as zero-rated supplies, allowing consumers to purchase eligible items without the addition of VAT, resulting in immediate savings at the point of sale.
The government has emphasised that the VAT-Free Weekend is intended to give consumers an opportunity to save on a range of household purchases while stimulating economic activity across the retail sector. Combined with measures aimed at reducing fuel-related costs, the initiative represents a targeted response to the financial pressures currently facing many Grenadian families.
Consumers are encouraged to review the list of approved businesses in advance and take advantage of the savings available during the VAT-Free Weekend on 28 and 29 August, 2026.
The SRO has been published here for ease of reference.
For more information and to view the list of participating businesses, visit the Ministry of Finance website or contact the Inland Revenue Division.
Ministry of Finance
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