Question to the HM Treasury:
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to take steps to provide support to companies that have to register in multiple EU countries for VAT in order to sell there.
When goods sent from GB arrive in an EU country the VAT and customs rules of the country that the goods are imported to govern their treatment. HMRC is not the competent authority for VAT (or Customs and Excise) within the EU so cannot advise traders on EU Member State VAT rules.
However, as part of our support offer to businesses the Department for International Trade has set up an Export Support Service (ESS). Whilst the ESS cannot provide advice or guidance on EU Member State VAT rules, it can signpost UK businesses to published EU VAT guidance so that UK businesses can understand how and when VAT may be charged when goods are imported into EU Member States. Further information on the ESS can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team.