Importing when not VAT registered

[Olatubosun]

Hi,

I'm carrying out import to the sum of £9500 exc postage - I have my EORI for customs now setup. I'm not VAT registered as I'm under the threshold. I do not wish to collect the VAT at the point of sale as this means I will need to become VAT registered and I'm not at that stage where I wont to be.

Is it mandatory to be VAT registered before I can import or is there a threshold to the value of imported items?

Also can I pay the VAT on the import when I pay my customs duty?

 

[Customs Geek]

Hi,

Is it mandatory to be VAT registered before I can import or is there a threshold to the value of imported items?

No you don’t need to be VAT registered to import if you are UK based.

Also can I pay the VAT on the import when I pay my customs duty?

If you are not VAT registered the import VAT and duty are calculated at the same time and is payable before the goods are released from customs.

 

[DontAsk]

If you are not VAT registered the import VAT and duty are calculated at the same time and is payable before the goods are released from customs.

It may be paid by the courier, who will then invoice you after delivery.

 

[AmazonGeek]

You don't need to be VAT registered to import. You will need to pay the VAT on the whole shipment before it will be released, unless you use a bonded warehouse and release it in stages, in which case you can pay VAT at each stage.

If you do eventually register for VAT I would apply to get the EORI updated and connected to your VAT number (so that is basically the same with some zeroes on the end).

When registered you will be able to claim back VAT on any stock that has not yet sold plus some other things (computer equipment for example) but best talking to an accountant about what you can and cannot do. You would also then qualify for postponed VAT accounting - this is where you don't have to pay the VAT on imports in order to release them. It is recognised that you will be claiming it back in your next return anyway so it is just deferred and nets off to zero.

 

[DontAsk]

Again, it depends how you "import". The courier may pay the fees to release the goods and invoice you.

 

[japancool]

Is it mandatory to be VAT registered before I can import or is there a threshold to the value of imported items?

No.

Also can I pay the VAT on the import when I pay my customs duty?

Yes.