On July 15, 2026, the government of Quebec announced that the provincial sales tax will no longer be applied to a range of grocery items and personal hygiene products. The decision removes the Quebec Sales Tax from those specific categories, altering the province’s long‑standing practice of taxing most food purchases.
The announcement indicates that the tax exemption applies to selected food items and to products used for personal care. While the exact list of exempted goods was not detailed in the statement, the change marks a shift from the previous policy where the majority of grocery purchases were subject to the provincial levy.
Officials explained that the adjustment follows a review of the tax structure that had previously included most grocery items under the Quebec Sales Tax. By eliminating the tax on the identified foods and hygiene products, the government aims to reduce the cost of everyday necessities for consumers.
The move comes amid broader discussions about the affordability of basic goods in the province. By targeting specific categories, the government seeks to provide relief without a wholesale overhaul of the tax system. The change is effective immediately, and retailers are instructed to adjust pricing to reflect the removal of the tax on the qualifying items.
Consumers can expect to see lower checkout totals for the exempted products, although the overall impact on household budgets will depend on individual purchasing habits. The government has not indicated any further modifications to the tax code at this time.
The policy shift reflects a notable alteration in Quebec’s approach to sales taxation on essential items, aligning the province with other jurisdictions that have reduced or eliminated taxes on certain groceries and personal care goods.