[willsken]

I am taking a leather sofa with me when we go. We went to start looking yesterday and one of the salesmen we were talking to claimed that if it was new when we ship it we can claim back the VAT.

Does anyone know if this is true and if so can I do this for all the new things I intend to take and how do I go about doing it? :confused:

[Alex]

... one of the salesmen we were talking to claimed that if it was new when we ship it we can claim back the VAT.
Sounds too good to be true...maybe he has sales targets to meet? :D

http://www.taxationweb.co.uk/vat/
http://www.aoruk.com/vat_refund.htm
http://www.bized.ac.uk/virtual/economy/model/info4p.htm

The last 2 links suggest that VAT can be reclaimed, but you may pay taxes on arrival.

[bob_the_engineer]

I have a little experience with importing things into the UK. Maybe it relevant.

If importing new goods into NZ is anywhere near as expensive and complicated as importing into the UK then I’d avoid it. The VAT is probably a relatively cheap option.

Regards Bob

[veronica]

I think that to claim back the VAT you would need a VAT no, although I have no experience in that field, would think that what you claim as new at the UK end has to be claimed as new at the NZ end and the duty on different catorgory of goods varies.

They do check on things though so do take care, we know of one guy who had been collecting old Meccano for himself and brought the entire collection (about 40 to 50 boxed sets) over without declaring it. Customs seized it and it was sold at auction here in Chch. the poor guy had to outbid others for it and ended up having to pay well over $2000 to get it back.