Claiming back VAT on clothing bought outside UK but returned

[xreyuk]

Hi,

I bought some shoes online from the US which I had to pay £14.95 VAT charge on, and an £8 handling fee. I know I'm not going to get the handling fee back, but I'm returning the shoes and wondered if there was any way I can claim back the VAT I paid?

The only thing I can find on the net is a form for small businesses and didn't know if I needed a different form.

Thanks.

[xreyuk]

davepoth said:

You can do it, but you really won't want to.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/import-...

You'll need to get a copy of the import declaration out of the courier, which will take ages.

Thanks, doesn't seem worth the effort.