Silver and VAT in the UK
Discussion
Quick question about the VAT implications of buying silver in another EU country and bringing it back to the UK.
As I understand it, Germany charges a rate of 7% on Silver coins. So if you drove/flew to Berlin, bought a few kilos of silver coins, paid the VAT in the shop, and drove/flew back to Blighty, then UK customs couldn't charge you any more VAT (or and duty as its legal tender)
My question is........why, then, if you drove to Guernsey and bought the coins, and effectively DID pathetic VAT which just happens to be 0%, why would you have to pay 20% to bring it home?
This also applies to Estonia where there is zero VAT on silver coin purchases.
Surely if you're "allowed" to dodge 13% of the VAT buying in Germany, its no different to dodge all 20% by buying in Guernsey or Estonia.
What did I miss.
Ps. I'm not attempting to evade tax, or break the law here. Just asking what the law is.
As I understand it, Germany charges a rate of 7% on Silver coins. So if you drove/flew to Berlin, bought a few kilos of silver coins, paid the VAT in the shop, and drove/flew back to Blighty, then UK customs couldn't charge you any more VAT (or and duty as its legal tender)
My question is........why, then, if you drove to Guernsey and bought the coins, and effectively DID pathetic VAT which just happens to be 0%, why would you have to pay 20% to bring it home?
This also applies to Estonia where there is zero VAT on silver coin purchases.
Surely if you're "allowed" to dodge 13% of the VAT buying in Germany, its no different to dodge all 20% by buying in Guernsey or Estonia.
What did I miss.
Ps. I'm not attempting to evade tax, or break the law here. Just asking what the law is.
The EU - free movement of goods between borders as long as Vat taxes are paid somewhere....
Channel Islands are outside the EU so you have to pay on entry... Estonia is interesting though as they are in the EU. Might just not be charged (outside scope) rather than zero rated hence payable ?!
Channel Islands are outside the EU so you have to pay on entry... Estonia is interesting though as they are in the EU. Might just not be charged (outside scope) rather than zero rated hence payable ?!
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