VAT refund on ‘classic’ from Switzerland.

[amhodge]

I have a question on UK import VAT.

Considering buying a car from Switzerland. The car isn’t quite 30 years old. It’s 27 years old.
I am told I’d receive a VAT refund of 7.5% from the dealer once I show the car’s customs import documents from the UK. All good.

My question is, if I can have the HMRC recognise the car as of some historic relevance or significance - limited production run and rare technology - and therefore do not have to pay full VAT or import taxes - does this affect the VAT refund from Switzerland side?

[dartissimus]

Try posting this in the Business section of The Pie & Piston, lots of VAT experts there

[amhodge]

Thanks for the pointer I'll do that.

[stevewak]

Call the VAT office - extremely helpful. You will probably have to pay duty (at lower rate) on entry before registration. Get the dealers's promise to refund Swiss VAT written in blood.