Brussels, 24/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 24 January 2013, the European Commission sent Poland a reasoned opinion asking it to change its reduced rate of VAT for medical equipment and pharmaceutical products because it goes beyond what is allowed under EU Directive 2006/112/EC, which gives member states permission to set a lower rate of VAT for medical equipment, auxiliary equipment and other devices usually used to treat or relieve disability and for the personal, exclusive use of the disabled; pharma products for healthcare, prevention of diseases and treating animal and human illnesses. Poland grants reduced VAT on medical equipment across the board and non-medical pharmaceutical products, like disinfectants and beauty products, and has therefore been asked to change its rules over the next two months, failing which the Commission will take the country to the European Court of Justice. (FG/transl.fl)