Export outside the EU
The following deals with the purchase and sale of goods and the provision of services to and from outside EU member states. The rules are different for supplies within the EU. The EU has a single set of VAT rules which interlock.
The general rule is that the place of supply of goods is where transportation begins. Where goods are supplied outside the EU, the supply is zero-rated. This means the supplier can recover VAT on his purchases and expenses relating to the sale.
An export for VAT purposes must be a direct export outside of the EU. If goods are first sent to another EU member state, this would constitute an intra Community acquisition and a subsequent export from the other member state. This in contrast to the positions where goods merely pass through another EU member state in transit. In this case, there is no supply in the member state in which the transit occurs.
The export of goods is zero-rated provided the goods are dispatched to a place outside the EU, by either a supplier or a person on its behalf or are dispatched to a purchaser who is not established in the state. A supply to a purchaser in the state who subsequently dispatches the goods outside the EU will be treated as a local supply. For these reasons, the terms of supply and the point at which ownership passes is important.
In order to secure zero rating, it is essential to be able to satisfy the Revenue that the goods were in fact dispatched outside the EU.
Importation from Outside the EU
The “importation” of goods under VAT law refers to the importation of goods into the EU from outside the EU. Movements within the EU are not imports for the purpose of VAT law. A trader is entitled to input credit for VAT on imported purchase under the normal rules regarding deductibility.
Generally, imported goods are subject to VAT in the same way as on a domestic supply. The VAT charge arises at the point of entry into the State. VAT must be accounted for on the import value of goods. The charge is usually on the basis of the full invoice including insurance rate, customs duty, excise duty plus commission.
Goods must be cleared through customs, prior to release. This is usually done under a Single Administrative Document. There is a standard import entry declaration. See our separate guides in relation to Trading in relation to the procedures involved.
The Single Administrative Document is a declaration in a form prescribed for use throughout the EU. It may be completed by importer, exporter or their agents who are to sign and vouch for its accuracy. It must contain the information necessary for the customs to identify the goods all documents required for the customs procedures for which the goods are declared.
Where a VAT registered business imports goods, the payment is recovered through its VAT return in the normal manner. Where the goods are not being imported for the purpose of making supplies subject to VAT or relate to VAT exempt supplies or the importer is unregistered or does not have VAT, the input credit cannot be reclaimed and a VAT charge arises.
An authorisation allows the holder to import goods free of VAT charge. The imports of goods can be zero-rated by the authorisation holder quoting his authorisation number on the import Single Administrative Document and making a declaration that the importer is authorised.
There is a provision for a deferred VAT payment arrangement, to deal with the logistical and cash flow difficulties which may arise. An importer may avail of the deferred payment procedure.
Reliefs from the VAT on Imports
There are certain reliefs from Import VAT. These are dealt with in our Trading brochure. They include for example the following;-
- relief in connection with the transfer of residence
- postal imports under a certain amount
- goods below a certain amount which are sent as gifts to private individuals
There are certain free zones where goods are considered for customs purposes to be still outside the EU. These include the Shannon free zone area.
There are also duty and import VAT suspension schemes. These allow goods to be imported, processed and subsequently exported without payment of VAT. An authorisation must be procured from the Revenue Commissioners.
Relief is available on goods which are exported for processing including repair. The VAT payable on re-importation is calculated on the amount to which the value of the goods is increased to providing the form and character of the goods has not been changed.
Imports into an approved customs warehouse delays liability for VAT until the goods are released out of the warehouse to the EU state.
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