VAT on goods exported from the UK (VAT Notice 703)
Effective Date: January 1, 2021
Summary
This is guidance documentation from HM Revenue & Customs explaining VAT zero-rating conditions for goods exported from the UK. The notice clarifies that exports of goods are zero-rated VAT because they are consumed outside the UK, contrary to the purpose of VAT taxation. It defines key terms including 'exporter', 'overseas person', and 'place of supply', and outlines obligations for both exporters and appointed agents (freight forwarders, shipping companies, etc.). The guidance applies to supplies made from 1 January 2021 onwards from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to non-EU destinations, with separate rules for Northern Ireland-EU movements.
Details
This is guidance documentation from HM Revenue & Customs explaining VAT zero-rating conditions for goods exported from the UK. The notice clarifies that exports of goods are zero-rated VAT because they are consumed outside the UK, contrary to the purpose of VAT taxation. It defines key terms including 'exporter', 'overseas person', and 'place of supply', and outlines obligations for both exporters and appointed agents (freight forwarders, shipping companies, etc.). The guidance applies to supplies made from 1 January 2021 onwards from Great Britain and Northern Ireland to non-EU destinations, with separate rules for Northern Ireland-EU movements.