On 17 June 2020, Bulgaria's Council of Ministers approved an extension of the exemption from import duties and VAT provided on the import of goods needed to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (primarily medical products). Bulgaria's exemption was implemented from 30 January 2020 to 31 July 2020 and will be extended to 31 October 2020. Approval from the European Commission is needed to formally implement the extension.