Steve Browning

All very laudable but please be careful. Who says "better use a CN23" and will people understand the importance of incoterms. You don't just select one at random. I'm not saying this is necessarily wrong but I am saying that you should approach this with caution and don't just use something because someone says you should or you've just spent 2 minutes reading an explanation on the internet. Yes, this is straightforward for people who do it daily but it's not straightforward. If you are a business. take advice from the carrier. They have the necessary experience to tell you what you need to do. The HS code tool could be useful although there are many such tools on the internet. Again, apologies for the cautious note. Getting something wrong could end in confiscation.

Ooh. Maybe I should switch to Thunderbird basses. 🙂

Here it is straight from the horses mouth (and up to date on 31/12/20) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-exports-dispatches-and-supplying-goods-abroad I am always a little wary of any offering from outside the Agency that actually polices this. I don't doubt its veracity (I haven't read it) but I would always suggest you go to the source rather than an interpretation. Sorry for being a bit pedantic here but this is based on a lot of years experience - on both sides of the fence.

... or economically worthwhile.

I am afraid I have to point out that this is incorrect.

Personally, I would throw the Heritage B15 into the mix. I used one as the house bass amp at a studio a couple of years ago and it sounded lovely (I used to own a 70s B15) and has the advantage of that extra power.

I would respectfully suggest that agedhorse is being a technician here. In my day job I am exactly the same. It's vital to be 100% accurate and I will always correct people when they refer to something zero rated for VAT as being exempt. To the layman they may seem the same but they are radically different. I am reading a techician ensuring he has full understanding of what is happening and making sure that every aspect is covered. Frankly, that is providing the benefit of proven knowledge and experience.

I will be alerting my ex-employer of my suspicions. Have no fear.

I couldn't find him on Companies House and Funktion Junction Entertainment isn't a company. I am keen to track him down and see to what extent he can be banned from being a company director (if he is one).

Use this if you need to check a number - https://vat-search.co.uk/

Blimey. A lack of erections too!!!

The system used for checking VAT numbers - https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/vies/ - requires the 'checker' to enter a valid VAT number. The UK VAT numbers are no lo0nger valid EU VAT numbers (although NI ones are). At least it's all straightforward now.

Doctor Feelgood

UK businesses no longer have access to the concept of triangulation. In the example I gave above, our UK business would have to register for VAT in Portugal or the contract be novated to the Spanish company so they can use triangulation. If the business is UK based then they have to be aware of their supply chain. certain things are no longer possible in the same way. A lot depends on whether the UK business is VAT registered or not.

Indeed. I've just been on a call regarding a contract (with the UK) to supply expensive goods, produced in Portugal and delivered to France.; No longer possible.

Ultimately, the conclusion is that private individuals buying 2nd hand gear from other private individuals (in a different country) will now pay VAT when they didn't before. Businesses can sort themselves out and take their own advice.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/948978/December_BordersOPModel_Medium.pdf Pages 19 and 33 refer. It was updated this morning. Page 33 states - "With regards to VAT on imports of goods in consignments not exceeding £135 (excluding Excise and consumer to consumer consignments), we will be moving the point at which VAT is collected from the point of importation to the point of sale. This will mean that UK supply VAT, rather than import VAT, will be due on these consignments and therefore accounted for via the VAT return." This seems a little contradictory because the point of sale for Thomann must be Germany. I think we need to be careful.

The latest HMRC guidance states that the responsibility for VAT on small consignments (under £135) rests with the seller at the point of sale. I believe that will mean German VAT. The UK registration was the result of distance selling, which is an EU concept. I'll find the document again and post it. It was updated on 31/12.

Yes. I'd appreciate some more clarity. Is it being stated that the EU trades on WTO terms with some countries (I'm talking pre-Brexit here)? I am genuinely interested because I haven't looked at it myself (had no need).

Are you implying ....

If Brooks were to use an Italian warehouse using a suspensive regime (a Customs or bonded warehouse) they might find it easier.

Wise words. It makes sense to delay, if you can. Aside from anything else, HMRC are not ready for it. Let the dust settle.

If you mean a swap of goods with a cash difference? That is two separate sales. VAT looks at each transaction on its own.

Let me give you 2 examples (pre and post Brexit) Private purchase Pre You pay £1000 on the BC forum to a seller in Germany. They send you the bass and that's it. Post You pay £1000 to the seller and you then get a bill for VAT on the 1000 + delivery cost + the £10 handling fee. Let's say delivery was £30 - you end up paying £1216 (£206 VAT plus the admin). Business purchase (not Thomann for this purpose) Pre You pay £1190 + £30 delivery (yes, German VAT was 16% for 6 months but that's not important for this illustration). The total is £1220. Post You pay £1000 (the net value) + delivery + handling. The cost is as above £1216 The net effect is that the purchase through BC now costs you a lot more.

No.