Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged at 14% on most goods and services supplied in South Africa, though some items are zero-rated or exempt. Zero-rated essential items include foods like brown bread, rice, milk and eggs to avoid hardship. VAT-exempt items are those not subject to VAT by law, such as interest, exports and childcare. VAT is levied on goods bought by individuals and businesses not in the exempt or zero-rated categories.