Fulfilled by Amazon Export – VAT, customs duty, excise tax and any other tax?

Question

We are selling used hand books and cosmetics in the UK via Amazon. We are further looking to sell in EU i.e. all 27 countries and possibly also globally.

Since Amazon mentions that it is seller’s responsibility to include any VAT, customs duty, excise tax and any other tax you are required to remit.

Can someone confirm what would be those in these countries or where can I check for the same?

I have been able to find this link which was quiet useful:

http://lastdropofink.co.uk/market-places/ebay/3-of-sales-coming-from-the-eu-say-hello-to-the-eu-vat-bomb/

Answer

Hello Devika,

Without knowing too much about this myself, I’ve had a look online for you and have found the following link which may be of use to you: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/managing/international/exports/goods.htm. There’s information here about the tax due on shipments dispatched by post, by courier etc, so hopefully it’ll be helpful.

With regard to your shipping, we’re a complete logistics supermarket, working with the leading carriers in the logistics industry. If you’re looking for a comparison to your current logistics provider, please do give us a call and we’ll be happy to look at the best shipping solution for you, with one or a mixture of couriers and at discounted trade prices. As you’re thinking of branching into Europe and further afield, I’m sure you’ll be looking for cost-effective rates, with the the best carrier possible and reliable service.

You can call us on 01292 310 510 or send us an email with your requirements to [email protected] – we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,
Dawn Henderson
Marketing Executive
Consolidated Carriers Ltd

Answer

Hello,
For goods between UK and other EU countries there is no import duty payable (so long as they are either made in UK or fully imported into UK already – called in free circulation).

VAT is payable. See link for VAT rates http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/vat/how_vat_works/rates/vat_rates_en.pdf

If you sell to a company that is VAT registered in the destination country e.g deliver to France and sell to a company that is VAT registered in France you do not have to charge them VAT.

If you sell to a company or an individual that is not tax registered you do have to charge them UK VAT.

If you reach certain thresholds for exports to EU countries you have to add your sales to your UK VAT return, produce an Export Sales List (ESL), and complete intrastat reports
see http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000267&propertyType=document

Hope this helps,

Regards,
Susan

[email protected]
www.morley.consulting.co.uk

Export Action Plan