Buying an Apple Watch in EU tax free?

[A900ss]

I’ve just had a quick read on the Le Shuttle website that I can buy goods in the EU and claim the VAT that I paid back.

So, assuming I buy an Apple Watch in the EU from an Apple Store, I get the paperwork from the Apple Store, stamp it at Eurotunnel and then get the VAT paid back. All good.

But then I guess I need to declare it as an import to the UK tax office and pay VAT on it anyway.

So net net, no saving.

Am I missing anything or is there any benefit to be had?

Thanks in advance.

[R33FAL]

the saving comes from putting it on your wrist once you are coming into the UK, and binning the box. All hypothetical of course.

[A900ss]

R33FAL said:

the saving comes from putting it on your wrist once you are coming into the UK, and binning the box. All hypothetical of course.

Hypothetically speaking, do the EU VAT refund people share info with the HMRC?

[Oilchange]

Technically £390 of stuff through the nothing to declare as I understand it but if its on your wrist…