EU chain transactions and zero-rated goods: the VAT changes you need to know about

2 minutes to read

A new law, in force since 1st January 2020, requires UK suppliers to Europe to produce a written statement to accompany the dispatch of goods to the EU. Amidst the post-General Election news and Brexit commentary, these changes may have slipped under the radar for many. We have outlined the requirements readers may not be aware of.

Historically, goods dispatched to the EU have been listed on an EC sales form. HMRC has increasingly flagged instances of dispatches being missed off the list. Whilst the first omission may just incur a warning, penalties are increasingly being enforced that have the potential to scupper the supplier’s zero rating.

From the beginning of the year, a requirement has been in place in the form of a written statement that must be produced within 10 days following the month of supply, in cases where the buyer (or recipient) has arranged the transport of the goods. To be valid, the statement should include certain minimum information regarding the goods, the acquirer of the goods and the means and date of transport.

In addition to the statement, from 1st January 2020, the submission of an accurate EC Sales List incorporating the intra EU supply in question has also been made a requirement for zero rating that supply.

Our VAT Manager, Brent Goodwin, said: “These changes may well have passed under the radar with everything else that has been happening in both the UK and wider world. It is important that businesses are aware that if either of the new requirements are not met in relation to an intra EU supply of goods, then any zero rating in respect of those supplies becomes invalid and the supplier leaves themselves open to interest and penalties.”

For further information about our firm, please call our Leicester branch on 0116 254 9262 or our Loughborough branch on 01509 263500.