Frequently Asked Questions
- Exporting and VAT
I want you to deliver my order to a UK address whereupon I will export it outside the EU. How can I avoid paying VAT?
The way that we deal with zero-rated exports when shipping to a UK address is as follows: We always charge VAT when shipping to a UK address. However, we refund this as soon as the recipient supplies documentary commercial evidence that the goods were dispatched to the overseas address (see the question below for more info on this).
Also we would advise that someone checks the goods upon arrival in the UK because if the goods turn out to be damaged upon arrival in your country, we will not be able to offer any refund.
I am placing an order for an Embassy, Consulate, NATO force or similar international organisation within the EU. How can I avoid paying VAT?
In order for you to not be charged VAT, we need 2 things:
- Documention from your host country for claiming exemption under article 15 of the Council directive 77/388/EEC.
- Documentary commercial evidence that the goods were dispatched to the overseas address (see question below for more info on this).
Obviously, if we are responsible for exporting the goods, then we already have the second part of this. Therefore, if you initially supply the first part, we will not need to charge VAT when you place your order.
However, if you collect, or if we send it to a UK freight forwarder for onward shipping, you will need to supply both things and we will have to charge you VAT when you order and then refund it at a later date when we received the requisite documentation.
What documents are sufficient evidence for proof of export?
There are 3 acceptable forms of documentary commercial evidence viz:
- C88 customs form with a customs stamp on it that shows a description of the goods + the name and address of the customer.
- Authenticated seaway bill that shows a description of the goods + the name and address of the customer.
- Authenticated Bill of Lading that shows a description of the goods + the name and address of the customer.
Sales invoices, courier invoices and any other forms of documentation will not be sufficient for us to zero-rate the payment and refund the VAT.
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