The Quebec government announced on July 15, 2026 that the provincial sales tax (QST) will no longer be applied to a range of grocery and personal care products. The decision removes the tax that normally applies to most goods sold in the province, creating an exemption for specific food items and hygiene products.
The tax exemption covers items that are part of everyday grocery shopping and personal hygiene routines. By eliminating the QST on these selected categories, the government aims to reduce the cost of essential purchases for consumers. The announcement was made as part of a broader fiscal measure affecting the province's sales tax framework.
Under current regulations, the QST is levied on a wide variety of goods and services throughout Quebec. The new policy creates a distinction between general merchandise, which remains subject to the tax, and the designated grocery and hygiene items that will now be tax‑free. The government did not provide additional detail on the exact list of products that qualify for the exemption, only stating that they pertain to certain food and personal care items.
The change takes effect immediately following the announcement, meaning that retailers will adjust pricing to reflect the removal of the tax on eligible goods. Consumers shopping for the specified items should see lower checkout totals as the tax component is no longer added.
The measure reflects the province's effort to target tax relief toward everyday necessities. While the QST continues to apply to most other purchases, the exemption represents a focused adjustment to the tax code aimed at easing the financial burden of essential grocery and hygiene purchases for residents of Quebec.