HarvestTheSun

Thanks, Customs Oldtimer, the first document you quoted contains exactly the wording I wanted to hear and I am exceedingly grateful for your time in finding it for me… “The goods must be re-imported in an unaltered state, apart from any work that may have been carried out to maintain the goods in working order, the goods cannot have been upgraded to increase their value.” I do have a follow-up question…. For example… a differential gear (component) within the axle (unit) fails and therefore the car becomes undriveable. Replacing the entire “unit” with one which is pre-owned would be the usual repair procedure because the cost of fitting a used “unit” would be less expensive than replacing the broken “component” - especially when taking into account the new gaskets / bearings / seals and labour required when reassembling. With the used axle fitted I would say that, when I returned to the UK, no charges should be due because I am “…maintaining the goods in working order”. I also assume that no declaration would be required. But… If I have the car repaired AND return with the original damaged “unit” (brought back for spares) would I have fees to pay? If so, upon which item / unit / component / labour would the fees be based? I appreciate this is “nit-picking” - but my car is rare, the parts are expensive and I don’t want to be on the wrong side of the law !!! Thanks very much

Thank you for your response. However, I am looking for a definitive answer rather than an opinion. Can you site any references upon which you have based your opinion?

Hi I intend going to Spain on a driving holiday in my old (but not yet a classic) car. If my car breaks down whilst I’m travelling in / through any of the European countries along the way, and I get it repaired, do I have to pay any import charges on the new (or used) parts or fitting costs when bringing the vehicle back to UK? I would endeavour to get like-for-like replacements and I doubt it would increase the value of the vehicle. Thank you for your help

I am Joe Public, I am retired but not of pensionable age, living in a privately owned house with no special requirements… not a care home, not on low income or income related state benefits, not rebuilding, not refurbishing (except having the roof re-tiled) or anything else along those lines. I entered into a contract (Jan ‘24) to purchase a complete solar system from a company who directly imports the systems from China and is VAT registered. No installation is offered by this company and at the outset of the contract they were informed this will be a DIY install by me (not VAT registered). The company was (and is) adamant that the supply to me (consumer) is Zero rated. Upon reading this forum I believe the supply should be Standard rated and so I cancelled the contract immediately and informed the company of my findings. The company is still adamant that the supplies should be Zero rated and is now trying to force me (quite vociferously) to continue the contract or pay a hefty penalty. Have I been mistaken? Is there ANY possibility that the supplies should be Zero rated?

Given that a VAT registered company sells solar materials and equipment ONLY (no install) to consumers for DIY use the supply is standard rated (20%). Are there any exceptions?