VAT Free Purchasing

[Daverw]

We are currently in Northern France and looking at a few things from French chandlers, none seem to show vat free prices or offer them, is this still a thing?

 

[Bobc]

No.

 

[KevinV]

No.

Are you sure of this? By being supplied for a non-EU flagged vessel the parts are surely being exported, and therefore not subject to vat (IVA?) in the EU?

 

[st599]

They don't zero rate the VAT in the shop, you have to claim the VAT back (for which there can be a fee and there's a minimum refund amount). The goods also have to be exported unused.

Ask at the Douane and they'll spend a few hours sorting it out for you.

 

[KevinV]

They don't zero rate the VAT in the shop, you have to claim the VAT back (for which there can be a fee and there's a minimum refund amount). The goods also have to be exported unused.

Ask at the Douane and they'll spend a few hours sorting it out for you.

I'd forgotten - too much online shopping

 

[AllanG]

It’s all here: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/sites/de...e-pablo-(en)-vat-refund-process-in-france.pdf

 

[st599]

Remember though if you're buying stuff for the boat, you can only repair or make good a fault. If you upgrade the boat, then that can invalidate RGR.

 

[rogerthebodger]

When I used to visit the UK and I purchased any items from VAT registered venders I would have to PAY the VAT to the vender, but I could claim the VAT back using a special form from the vender.

When I left the UK, I would visit the Customs office at the airport to have the form verified by customs and then once home I would send it back to the vender who should refund me the VAT.

The way the same refund works where I live is that I can visit the customs office on the air side of the airport and receive the refund VAT in cash from customs office before I leave much better than he UK system that rely on the honesty of the vender.

Don't know how the French VAT refund works.