This Guidance provides examples to help with the completion of declarations on the Customs Declarations Service for exports. It has been updated with the addition of a standard pre-lodged export declaration document.
Tag Archives: vat-export
VAT: B2B and B2C – The distinction and importance
A key feature of the place of supply rules is the distinction between B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer) supplies. The distinction is important because it determines, inter alia, whether GB VAT is applicable to a supply made by a GB supplier.
Status of the customer:
- B2C: A supply is B2C when the customer is a private individual, an organisation with only non-business activities or the supply is wholly for private use (eg for the private use of a business owner)
- B2B: A supply is B2B when the customer has any level of business activity (though if a supply is wholly for private use it remains B2C). It does not matter if the supply is for a non-business activity of the customer or if the customer is not VAT registered. All that matters is the customer has some level of business activity – this includes VAT exempt activity and taxable activity below the VAT registration threshold VAT place of supply.
To apply the B2B treatment a GB supplier must obtain evidence that the customer has business activities. If the supplier cannot obtain any evidence, they should apply B2C treatment.
- If the customer is VAT registered, the customer’s VAT number is evidence of status and it is good practice to quote this on the supplier’s invoice. A GB supplier should check the customer’s VAT registration number is in the correct format for the country concerned. This can be done via the EC Vies website. for EU customers. NB: Special evidence rules apply to electronically supplied services.
- If the customer is not VAT registered, a GB supplier should obtain and retain evidence that the customer has business activities. HMRC state “If your customer is unable to provide a VAT number, you can accept alternative evidence.This includes certificates from fiscal authorities, business letterheads or other commercial documents indicating the nature of the customer’s activities”.
A supplier needs to identify where his customer belongs in order to establish the place of supply.
VERY broadly, depending on the nature of the supply, the rule of thumb is that a B2B service is GB VAT free (it is subject to a reverse charge by the recipient as it is deemed to be “supplied where received”) but a B2C service is generally subject to GB VAT, regardless of the place of belonging of the recipient. There are exceptions to these rules however, such as the use and enjoyment provisions, land related services, hire of transport and admission to events.
VAT: New guidance on zero rating exports
HMRC has published updated guidance on the evidence required to zero rate the export of goods. VAT Notice 703 sets out the following changes on the documentation which is required for proof of export:
- Para 6.1 – For VAT zero rating purposes a business must produce official evidence or commercial evidence. Both types generally have equal weight but, if the commercial evidence is found to be lacking sufficient detail, a business will be expected to provide official evidence. An exporter must also provide supplementary evidence to show that a transaction has taken place, and that the transaction relates to the goods physically exported. If the evidence of export provided is found to be unsatisfactory, VAT zero rating will not be allowed and the supplier of the goods will be liable to account for the VAT at the appropriate UK rate.
- Para 6.5 – What must be shown on export evidence (extract from the Notice)
“An accurate description of the exported goods and quantities are required, for example ‘2000 mobile phones (Make ABC and Model Number XYZ2000), value £50,000’.
If the evidence is found to be unsatisfactory you as the supplier will become liable for the VAT due.
If you’ve described goods inaccurately on an export declaration you may be liable for a customs penalty.
The rest of this paragraph has force of law.
The evidence you obtain as proof of export, whether official or commercial, or supporting must clearly identify:
-
- the supplier
- the consignor (where different from the supplier)
- the customer
- an accurate and full description of the goods including quantities
- an accurate and consistent value of the good
- the export destination, and
- the mode of transport and route of the export movement
Vague descriptions of good, quantities or values are not acceptable. An accurate value must be shown and not excluded or replaced by a lower or higher amount”.
- Paras 7.3 and 7.4 on merchandise in baggage and direct exports of personal goods in accompanied baggage have also be amended.
Overview
It is vitally important that exporters obtain the correct evidence that goods have physically left the UK and that all descriptions of the goods are accurate and satisfy HMRC requirements. There has been a significant amount of case law on export documentation (an example here) which illustrates that this is often an area of dispute.
Incoterms: What are they, and how can they be of use for VAT?
VAT – Cross border sales of goods
Incoterms stands for International Commercial Terms.
These are published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and describe agreed commercial terms. These rules set out the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for the supply of goods under a contract. They are very commonly used in cross-border commercial transactions in order that both sides in a transaction are aware of the contractual position. They help businesses avoid costly misunderstandings by clarifying the tasks, costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to buyers. The latest terms were published in 2010 and came into effect in 2011.
The use of Incoterms for assistance for VAT purposes
One of the most difficult areas of providing VAT advice is obtaining sufficient detailed information to advise accurately and comprehensively. Quite often advisers are given what a client believes to be the arrangements for a transaction. This may differ from the actual facts, or the understanding of the other party in the transaction.
Pragmatically, this uncertainty about the details may be increased if; a number of different people within an organisation are involved, it is a new or one-off type of transaction, there are language difficulties, or communication and documentation is less than ideal. In such cases, incoterms will provide invaluable information which gives clarity and certainty and usually give a sound basis on which to advise. This enables the adviser to establish the place of supply (POS) and therefore what VAT treatment needs to be applied.
So what is this set of pre-defined international contract terms?
They are 11 pre-defined terms which are subdivided into two categories:
Group 1 – Incoterms that apply to any mode of transport are:
EXW – Ex Works (named place)
The seller makes the goods available at their premises. This term places the maximum obligation on the buyer and minimum obligations on the seller. EXW means that a buyer incurs the risks for bringing the goods to their final destination. The buyer arranges the pickup of the freight from the supplier’s designated ship site, owns the in-transit freight, and is responsible for clearing the goods through Customs. The buyer is also responsible for completing all the export documentation.
Most jurisdictions require companies to provide proof of export for VAT purposes. In an EXW shipment, the buyer is under no obligation to provide such proof, or indeed to even export the goods. It is therefore of utmost importance that these matters are discussed with the buyer before the contract is agreed.
FCA – Free Carrier (named place of delivery)
The seller delivers the goods, cleared for export, at a named place. This can be to a carrier nominated by the buyer, or to another party nominated by the buyer.
It should be noted that the chosen place of delivery has an impact on the obligations of loading and unloading the goods at that place. If delivery occurs at the seller’s premises, the seller is responsible for loading the goods on to the buyer’s carrier. However, if delivery occurs at any other place, the seller is deemed to have delivered the goods once their transport has arrived at the named place; the buyer is responsible for both unloading the goods and loading them onto their own carrier.
CPT – Carriage Paid To (named place of destination)
The seller pays for the carriage of the goods up to the named place of destination. Risk transfers to buyer upon handing goods over to the first carrier at the place of shipment in the country of Export. The Shipper is responsible for origin costs including export clearance and freight costs for carriage to named place (usually a destination port or airport). The shipper is not responsible for delivery to the final destination (generally the buyer’s facilities), or for buying insurance. If the buyer does require the seller to obtain insurance, the Incoterm CIP should be considered.
CIP – Carriage and Insurance Paid to (named place of destination)
This term is broadly similar to the above CPT term, with the exception that the seller is required to obtain insurance for the goods while in transit. CIP requires the seller to insure the goods for 110% of their value.
DAT – Delivered At Terminal (named terminal at port or place of destination)
This term means that the seller covers all the costs of transport (export fees, carriage, unloading from main carrier at destination port and destination port charges) and assumes all risk until destination port or terminal. The terminal can be a Port, Airport, or inland freight interchange. Import duty/VAT/customs costs are to be borne by the buyer.
DAP – Delivered At Place (named place of destination)
The seller is responsible for arranging carriage and for delivering the goods, ready for unloading from the arriving conveyance, at the named place. Duties are not paid by the seller under this term. The seller bears all risks involved in bringing the goods to the named place.
DDP – Delivered Duty Paid (named place of destination)
The seller is responsible for delivering the goods to the named place in the country of the buyer, and pays all costs in bringing the goods to the destination including import duties and VAT. The seller is not responsible for unloading. This term places the maximum obligations on the seller and minimum obligations on the buyer. With the delivery at the named place of destination all the risks and responsibilities are transferred to the buyer and it is considered that the seller has completed his obligations.
Group 2 – Incoterms that apply to sea and inland waterway transport only:
FAS – Free Alongside Ship (named port of shipment)
The seller delivers when the goods are placed alongside the buyer’s vessel at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks of loss of or damage to the goods from that moment. The FAS term requires the seller to clear the goods for export. However, if the parties wish the buyer to clear the goods for export, this should be made clear by adding explicit wording to this effect in the contract of sale. This term can be used only for sea or inland waterway transport.
FOB – Free On Board (named port of shipment)
FOB means that the seller pays for delivery of goods to the vessel including loading. The seller must also arrange for export clearance. The buyer pays cost of marine freight transport, insurance, unloading and transport cost from the arrival port to destination. The buyer arranges for the vessel, and the shipper must load the goods onto the named vessel at the named port of shipment. Risk passes from the seller to the buyer when the goods are loaded aboard the vessel.
CFR – Cost and Freight (named port of destination)
The seller pays for the carriage of the goods up to the named port of destination. Risk transfers to buyer when the goods have been loaded on board the ship in the country of export. The shipper is responsible for origin costs including export clearance and freight costs for carriage to named port. The shipper is not responsible for delivery to the final destination from the port (generally the buyer’s facilities), or for buying insurance. CFR should only be used for non-containerised sea freight, for all other modes of transport it should be replaced with CPT.
CIF – Cost, Insurance and Freight (named port of destination)
This term is broadly similar to the above CFR term, with the exception that the seller is required to obtain insurance for the goods while in transit to the named port of destination. CIF requires the seller to insure the goods for 110% of their. CIF should only be used for non-containerised sea freight; for all other modes of transport it should be replaced with CIP.
Allocations of costs to buyer/seller via incoterms
Once the Incoterm has been established, the VAT treatment is usually immediately apparent.
Summary Chart
VAT Implications of Transfer Pricing – Valuation
When can Transfer Pricing (TP) adjustments affect the application of VAT?
There is a continuing potential conflict between the way sales are valued. For TP purposes value is determined via arm’s length (open market value) versus the subjective value, ie; the price actually paid, for VAT purposes.
More detail on VAT valuation/consideration here.
Transfer Pricing
The arm’s length principle is the international transfer pricing standard that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries have agreed, and which should be used for tax purposes by Multinational Enterprise Group (“MNE group”) and tax administrations, including the price, match comparable market conditions and that profits are fairly divided between the jurisdictions in which MNE operates.
According to the OECD TP Guidelines, by seeking to adjust profits by reference to the conditions which would have been obtained between independent enterprises for comparable transactions and under comparable circumstances, ie; in “comparable uncontrolled transactions” the arm’s length principle treats the members of an MNE group as entities operating separately rather than as inseparable parts of a single unified business. Because the separate entity approach treats the members of an MNE group as if they were independent entities, attention is focused on the nature of the transactions between those members and on whether the conditions thereof differ from those that would be obtained in comparable uncontrolled transactions.
VAT
It is not generally required for VAT purposes that the consideration which must be present in order for a transaction to be qualified as taxable, has to reflect the market value of the goods or services supplied. In fact, as to the concept of “consideration”, it is settled case law of the CJEU that the taxable amount for the supply of goods or services is represented by the consideration actually received for them.
It is an important area of tax and I recommend reading the EC Working Paper for any business or adviser involved in international supplies. It is also an interesting read for students of the tax technical side of such supplies.
We have a strong global structure of skilled advisers which are able to assist if you have any queries.
VAT: Trading with the EU from 1 January 2022
Further to my article on the new changes from next year, HMRC has published information on the rules of origin for trade between the UK and EU.
The Bulletin covers the rules of origin and the forthcoming changes to the requirement for supplier declarations to support proof of origin.
VAT: HMRC – Customs changes from 1 January and 1 July 2022
Further to my article on new procedures, HMRC has issued a reminder of customs changes that come into effect on 1 January 2022.
It is now less than a month until full controls are introduced.
The Changes
- Customs declarations
Businesses will no longer be able to delay making import customs declarations under the Staged Customs Controls Most importers will have to make declarations and pay relevant tariffs at the point of import.
- Border controls
Ports and other border locations will be required to control goods moving Great Britain and the EU. This means that unless goods have a valid declaration and have received customs clearance, they will not be able to be released into circulation, and in most cases will not be able to leave the port. From 1 January 2022, goods may be directed to an Inland Border Facility for documentary or physical checks if these checks cannot be done at the border.
- Rules of origin for imports and exports
The UK’s deal called the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), means that the goods imported or exported may benefit from a reduced rate of Customs Duty (tariff preference). To use this a business will need proof that goods which are:
. imported from the EU originate there
. exported to the EU originate in the UK
- Commodity codes
Commodity codes are used worldwide to classify goods that are imported and exported. They are standardised up to six digits and reviewed by the World Customs Organisation every five years. Following the end of the latest review, the UK codes will be changing on 1 January 2022. HMRC guidance is available on finding commodity codes for imports into or exports out of the UK which includes information on using the ‘Trade Tariff Tool’ to find the correct commodity codes.
- Postponed VAT Accounting
A VAT registered importer is able to continue to use Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA) on all customs declarations that are liable to import VAT (including supplementary declarations).
Further changes from 1 July 2022
The following changes will be introduced from July 2022:
- requirements for full safety and security declarations for all imports
- new requirements for Export Health Certificates
- requirements for Phytosanitary Certificates
- physical checks on sanitary and phytosanitary goods at Border Control Posts
Businesses must be prepared for these changes and I recommend that an experienced representative is used.
VAT: Freeports – what are they? Are they beneficial?
Further to the background to Freeports here I consider the latest developments.
What are Freeports?
Freeports are a specific port where normal tax and customs rules do not apply. Imports can enter with simplified customs documentation and without paying tariffs. Businesses operating inside designated areas in and around the port can manufacture goods using the imports, before exporting again without paying the tariff on the original imported goods (however, a tariff may be payable on the finished product when it reaches its final destination).
Freeports are similar to Free zones, or “Enterprise Zones” which are designated areas subject to a broad array of special regulatory requirements, tax breaks and Government support. The difference is that a Freeport is designed to specifically encourage businesses that import, process and then re-export goods, rather than more general business support.
Use
Goods brought into a Freeport are not subject to duties until they leave the port and enter the UK market. Additionally, if the goods are re-exported no duty is payable at all.
If raw materials are brought into a Freeport and processed into final goods before entering the UK market, duties will be paid on the final goods.
Background
If a business chooses to use a Freeport to import or export goods, it will be able to:
- get relief from duties and import taxes
- use simplified declarations processes to reduce administrative burdens
- choose which rate of Customs Duty to use if processing the goods changes their classification
If goods are purchased in the UK, a business will continue to pay duties and import taxes using the normal UK rates.
Where are they?
The eight new Freeports are located at East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe and Harwich, the Humber region, Liverpool City Region, Plymouth, the Solent, the Thames, and Teesside.
Authorisation needed to use a Freeport
A business can apply to use the Freeport customs special procedure (a single authorisation combined with easier declaration requirements) to import goods for:
- processing and then export or for sale in the UK
- storage and then export or for sale in the UK
Declaring goods entering the UK Freeport
A form C21 is used to declare goods entering the UK. This can be done before the goods arrive in the UK or when the goods have arrived in the UK.
Declaring goods exported
A business will normally need to submit an exit summary declaration when goods are exported from the UK. When an exit summary declaration is not needed, a business will need to give an onward export notification to HMRC.
Disposing of goods which have been processed or repaired
When a business has finished processing or repairing goods, it must leave the Freeport and dispose of the goods by either:
- re-exporting them outside the UK
- declaring them to another customs procedure
- transferring them to another Freeport Business Authorisation holder
- destroying them – usually only possible under customs supervision
- using other simplified disposal methods
VAT on supplies in the Freeport
A business will be able to zero rate supplies within a Freeport of:
- goods declared to the Freeport
- services carried out on goods declared to the Freeport
When a zero rated VAT invoice is issued, it must include the reference “Free zone”.
Zero rating of goods applies if:
- they are declared to the Freeport
- they are sold from one authorised Freeport business to another in the Freeport
- both Freeport businesses are registered for VAT (unless they are exempt from registering for VAT and HMRC has approved this exemption)
Benefits
The Government says that Freeports and free zones are intended to stimulate economic activity in their designated areas. Government backed economic studies have found the main advantage of Freeports is that they encourage imports by lowering duty and paperwork costs. Manufacturing businesses that are inside the Freeport can benefit from cheaper imported inputs in comparison to those outside the area. However, some commentators such as the UK Trade Policy Observatory (UKTPO) suggest that whilst some form of free zones could help with shaping export-oriented and place-based regional development programmes, it is important to ensure that trade is not simply diverted from elsewhere and that wider incentives are needed.
Evasion
Considering that the European Parliament has called for Freeports to be scrapped across the EU because of tax evasion and money laundering and that they are where trade can be conducted untaxed, and ownership can be concealed it is likely that there will be a certain degree of evasion. This a result of the lack of scrutiny on imports and means that high-value items, eg; art, can be bought and easily stored in Freeports without the kind of checks and controls they would normally face.
Summary
Any business that regularly imports and/or exports goods should consider if a Freeport will benefit their business model. This is particularly relevant if work is carried out on imported goods.
VAT: New HMRC guidance for using international post and merchandise in baggage
HMRC has published two new sets of guidance for international post users and importing merchandise in baggage. The changes are mainly due to Brexit.
International post users
HMRC has published new guidance for international post users.
The notice explains what happens when a business imports or exports goods by post through Royal Mail or Parcelforce Worldwide.
The arrangements set out in the notice do not apply when a full declaration on a single administrative document (SAD – Form C88) is required.
The information about sending a package overseas has been updated. This relates to the new need to compete a customs declaration for goods sent to the EU.
Bringing commercial goods into Great Britain in baggage
The guidance covers commercial goods (also known as Merchandise in Baggage) which will be used, or sold by a business, where:
- a commercial transport operator does not carry them for a business
- a person has travelled to GB carrying goods either:
- in accompanied baggage
- in a small vehicle that can carry up to no more than 9 people and weighing 3.5 tonnes or less
A person must declare all commercial goods. There is no duty-free allowance for goods brought into GB to sell or use in a business.
My guide to importing and exporting post Brexit here.
VAT: New guidance on the border with the EU post-Brexit
This month the government have issued new guidance: The Border with the European Union Importing and Exporting Goods on the Border Operating Model. This provides comprehensive guidance on the movement of goods from 1 January 2021 and adds to previous guidance.
This is important information for any business moving goods between GB, the EU and NI and needs to be considered for tax planning and general preparation for Brexit. These rules will likely come into force regardless of whether the UK has negotiated an agreement with the EU.
The introduction comes in three stages:
- Stage One – January 2021
- Stage Two – April 2021
- Stage Three – July 2021
Stage One
Business will need to:
- understand the requirements of EU Member States. The necessary processes must have been done and documentation completed to comply with these requirements
- obtain a GB EORI number to move goods to or from the UK
- if undertaking any EU customs processes, businesses will need an EU EORI
- importers; check which goods are on the controlled goods list- if they are on the controlled goods list, a full customs declaration is required
- if importing non-controlled goods, decide whether to delay the customs declaration for up to six months or complete full customs declarations on import
- decide how to complete customs formalities: Most businesses are expected to use a customs intermediary
- consider obtaining a Duty Deferment Account (DDA). A DDA allows holders to delay customs duty, excise duty and import duty, to be paid once a month rather than on individual consignments
- check to see if a facilitation would be of benefit. There are a number of facilitations, including the Common Transit Convention
- if importing live animals or high-priority plants, business needs to be prepared for submitting additional documentation and checks taking place at point of destination
- exporters; be prepared to submit customs export declarations
- hauliers; be ready to use the “Check an HGV is ready” service
Stage Two
If businesses are importing Products of Animal Origin (POAO) or a regulated plant and plant product; they will need to:
- to submit pre-notification and the relevant health documentation
Stage Three
Businesses must:
- meet full customs requirements including submitting declarations, regardless of whether it is a controlled or a non-controlled good
- pay VAT and excise duty where necessary
- submit safety and security declarations
- be prepared for customs compliance checks either at port or an inland site
- be prepared for relevant SPS goods to enter GB via a Border Control Post either at port or an inland site, accompanied by sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) documentary requirements
General
From 1 January 2021
- Customs Declarations – Importers and exporters will have to complete UK and EU customs declarations after the end of the transition period. Some locations will require pre-lodgement of customs declarations prior to the movement of goods, which will particularly affect ‘roll on-roll off’ (RoRo) movements
- Customs Duties – Importers will need to ensure that any customs duties applicable to their goods under the new UK Global Tariff are paid. Importers will need to determine the origin, classification and customs value of their goods. There are options available to defer any payment that is due
- VAT will be levied on imports of goods from the EU, following the same rates and structures as are applied to Rest of World (RoW) imports. VAT registered importers will be able to use postponed VAT accounting. Non-VAT registered importers have the same options available to report and pay import VAT as they do for customs duties
Businesses will need to review their processes for dealing with cross-border goods, both between the EU and Northern Ireland. This includes; customs declarations, compliance, provision of data, obtaining a duty deferment account and GB/EU EORI numbers as necessary. We also advise liaising with suppliers and customers to ensure, as far as possible, that transactions are as seamless as possible in these challenging times.