alcohol import/export

[Iness]

Hi!

I am planning to open a business in the uk.

I want to import alcohol (vodka, wine etc) from Spain, Portgal and Poland. The thing is that the goods will not be sold to any uk customers but exported further to other countries (India and South Africa).

Does anyone know if I need any permissions/concession to buy and sell alcohol as a British company?
Should I register myself as a sole trader or a ltd company?
Do I need to be a registered consignee?

Thanks!!

 

[Deleted member 138423]

Hi!

I am planning to open a business in the uk.

I want to import alcohol (vodka, wine etc) from Spain, Portgal and Poland. The thing is that the goods will not be sold to any uk customers but exported further to other countries (India and South Africa).

Does anyone know if I need any permissions/concession to buy and sell alcohol as a British company?
Should I register myself as a sole trader or a ltd company?
Do I need to be a registered consignee?

Thanks!!

Minefield! You will need to be sure of the costings and logistics involved.

Research starting using HMRC, finding a forwarder who will assist you will be difficult, taxes a plenty ( India for example charges both a landing tax of lots and then the area of India will charge you again!!

 

[Iness]

Research starting using HMRC, finding a forwarder who will assist you will be difficult, taxes a plenty

Hey Nick,

Many thanks for your reply and advice. At the moment, however, I am just trying to figure out what permissions and documents I need to start this business.
As for excise and taxes - do they still apply if the lot isn't going to be sold to any uk customers?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

As Nick mentioned, you are entering a minefield.

To answer your question, you will not need a license, but you will need to use a bonded warehouse, to avoid paying excise duty and VAT.

I would ask why? Transporting from Spain, Poland etc to the UK, storing and exporting adds unnecessary costs!

 

[Iness]

Thank you consultant.

So, let's say I resign from importing the goods into the UK (which increases the cost of the whole thing indeed) and I act as a British company that buy alcohol from Spain and export it directly from this country to South Africa.
What type of business do I need to register then (sole trader, ltd company or other)?

PS.I take it I don't need any additional licenses or permissions (as you say) and I don't pay any taxes, excise etc neither, right?

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

You can then trade in any format you want!!

Self employed/sole trader is possibly best at the early stages, however, you are best speaking to an accountant, who will look at your personal circumstances and give you best advice.

 

[raja388]

India for Export charges both a landing taxes and then the local area of India will charge. It's not a good idea to, its like going to a place which is planted with explosive mines.

 

[importexportcoach]

Hi!

When it comes to the importation of alcoholic drinks, you will have to pay excise duty on the alcohol content, regardless of which Country your drinks are being shipped from, just in the same way that excise duty is payable on Oils and Tobacco products.

Most goods which originate from any member European of the EU, have the luxury of not incurring any charges of duty and / or VAT. That, however, does not apply to excisable goods, such as Alcohol and Tobacco products, etc.

Excise duty must be paid on all alcohol, not deemed for personal consumption, before it can be released into Free Circulation, for resale or any other commercial use.

To arrange for the Customs clearance, and payment of excise duty, you will need to employ the services of a 'REDS Agent' ('REDS' stands for: Registered Excise Dealers and Shippers). There are several about, and although your preferred agent may not be a 'REDS Agent' themselves, they may have negotiated preferential rates, with an agent whom they use regularly, meaning that they too will be able to arrange the clearance for you.

Hope this helps!