If you’ve imported goods from the UK and subsequently discovered they’re faulty, incorrect, or that they just don’t meet your expectations, there are key steps to follow to ensure a smooth return and recovery of any duties or VAT you paid on import.
1. Clarify your Supplier’s Return Policy
Confirm the return policy with the UK supplier. Some suppliers may require you to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) before accepting the goods back. Make sure to clarify who is responsible for any shipping costs.
2. Determine Eligibility for a Refund on Duties and VAT
Depending on the nature and value of the goods, you may have paid VAT or customs duties on import. Now that you are returning the goods within three years of the original export, you could be eligible for a refund on these charges. This is known as Returned Goods Relief (RGR). To do this you must be able to provide evidence that the goods were originally exported from the UK and meet the criteria for RGR.
3. Prepare Documentation
To successfully claim a refund of any VAT or customs duties paid, you’ll need to keep detailed records to be uploaded with your declaration and should include:
- The original export declaration from the UK.
- The original import documentation from Ireland showing the duties or VAT paid.
- Proof that the goods are being returned (such as a shipping invoice or correspondence with the supplier outlining the reason for the return
- Evidence of the goods’ condition (e.g., photos if they are defective) to support your return.
- Customs Declarations
I. When shipping the goods back to the UK, you’ll need to make an Irish export declaration for the goods to move back out of Ireland. This declaration will be linked to the original Irish import declaration so that Irish Revenue can identify the procedure and close the loop to refund any duties and VAT originally paid.
II. A UK import declaration will also be required customs, possibly claiming Returned Goods Relief. The UK supplier will also need to make the import declaration to UK customs with the correct information for Returned Goods Relief so as not to attract needless duties or VAT.
This process will help ensure that the return is correctly documented, both in Ireland and in the UK. Any refund due will be paid to the ROS account that originally paid out the charges.
4. Shipping Back to the UK
When shipping the goods back to the UK, label the shipment as a returned item to avoid additional customs charges on the way back. This will also help you recover any duties or VAT paid when you originally imported the goods into Ireland. It’s important to clearly communicate that the items are being returned to the UK supplier.
5. Contact a Competent Customs Agent to Help
If the customs process seems complicated, or if you’re dealing with a large shipment, it might be worth seeking advice from a customs broker or agent. They can help ensure all documentation is in order and guide you through the customs processes in both Ireland and the UK, making the return and refund process smoother.
By following these steps, you can efficiently return goods from Ireland to the UK and potentially recover any import duties or VAT paid. Careful documentation and an understanding of the rules around Returned Goods Relief will be key to a smooth process.
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