Import VAT from USA

[Aizle]

I sent my rear-view mirror to Texas for repair. It was my mirror, that came off my car.

This was sent out to the company, repaired using one or two parts and their labour. Shipped back out on the same day it was received.

I have since been sent a request for VAT + clearance fee.

Now as this is my mirror and it has gone there and back, can I reclaim the VAT?

Or as it used parts and US labour, I can't?

Help!

[Aizle]

Bump

[FlossyThePig]

How much VAT compared to the repair plus parts cost?

[Aizle]

FlossyThePig said:

How much VAT compared to the repair plus parts cost?

VAT £17

Parts and labour about £65, but they don't know that.

[davepoth]

There's no point trying to do anything about it.

If you've got a copy of the export declaration you could have a punt at a retrospective Outward Processing Relief (OPR) declaration. Essentially you are allowed to send things abroad for processing and then bring them back, only paying the VAT on the added value on the goods plus freight.

I've done a retrospective OPR once to save a £10k VAT bill, and it took me the best part of three months chasing the paperwork through HMRC to get it sorted. It's something to avoid if at all possible. Even if you did get it, since you still would have to pay VAT on the added value and the freight you would likely save £2 at the most.

[Aizle]

Thanks for the comprehensive answer! I knew someone on here would know it.

Ah well, all in it's still about a third of the total cost of a new mirror.

Ta

[davepoth]

Aizle said:

Thanks for the comprehensive answer! I knew someone on here would know it.

Ah well, all in it's still about a third of the total cost of a new mirror.

Ta

No problem. It's good to keep my eye in while I'm "resting".