Article for parcels stakeholders
Published 19 March 2019
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/communications-pack-import-vat-on-parcels-in-the-event-of-a-no-deal-eu-exit/article-for-parcels-stakeholders
You can use this short news story / article in newsletters or other communications to give an overview of changes for sellers from outside the UK.
EU exit (no deal): Changes to the rules for reporting and paying UK import VAT that will impact sellers outside the UK
If the United Kingdom (UK) leaves the European Union (EU) without a deal, the UK import VAT rules will change for goods sold to UK buyers that are sent in parcels.
The rules differ depending on the value of the goods in the parcel. Further information about how to work out the value of a parcel can be found on GOV.UK.
When the value for all goods in the parcel is £135 or less, sellers outside the UK must pay the UK import VAT for any parcels sent to UK buyers after the UK leaves the EU. This applies even if the goods were sold before then. Sellers outside the UK include those in the EU, outside the EU, and the Channel Islands. This will include any goods worth £15 or less as they will no longer be eligible for the existing tax relief.
When the value for all goods in the parcel is more than £135, UK buyers will need to pay the UK import VAT, customs and / or excise duty on these goods. The parcel operator will apply any necessary charges to the parcel and seek the payment direct from the UK buyer. For excise goods - import VAT, Customs and Excise duty is due regardless of value, and will be collected directly from the UK buyer by the parcel operator.
If sellers outside the UK sell goods above and below the £135 threshold to UK buyers, the seller should only report and pay the UK import VAT on parcels containing goods worth £135 or less.
There will be two ways for sellers outside the UK to pay the UK import VAT on parcels to the UK HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Sellers can register for the UK HMRC new online service and are encouraged to do so now so they are ready to use it if the changes are introduced. Alternatively, they can pay a parcel operator that offers a service to pay the UK import VAT to HMRC on the sellers’ behalf.
If sellers do not follow the new UK import VAT rules, parcels may be delayed or stopped from entering the UK. In addition, the UK buyer may have to pay extra tax and fees, and the seller may have to pay a penalty of £1,000.
More information about these potential changes, or others in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal can be found on GOV.UK - www.gov.uk/government/collections/import-vat-on-parcels.