Re: VAT on non-EU purchases

Genuine question - why?

I ask only as I ordered some dietary supplements from the U.S and received, a month later, an invoice for 16.96 against the original invoice of $53.

Needless to say, HMCE can go and whistle for it.

The very reason for buying from overseas is to escape the crippling taxes this wretched Government imposes.

Do they think we're thick or something?

Yes, and the VAT and duty is based on the value of the goods *plus* any shipping and insurance charges.

Chris

They'll take you to court for it if you don't pay and it could get nasty.

It's called protectionism. Hence why Bush recently increased the import tariffs on a huge number of European goods and services recently. He's just protecting his own market and we, ours.

Yes - the whole system of Government works on that basis.

Is there anyway round this millstone? If I was a registered company who regularly bought items of a certain type, would the VAT be reclaimable?

Thanks,

Roland.

Yes, provided you could relate it to taxable supplies your company was making. You wouldn't be able to recover the duty.

Best wishes

Robert Killington visit

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