HMRC has clarified the VAT regime applicable consignments of a value not exceeding GBP 135 sold in the United Kingdom. From now on, a distinction will have to be made depending:

  • on whether the parcel is sent to the customer from a country outside the UK or locally from the United Kingdom;
  • on whether the package is sold directly or through a market-place.

In any case, a VAT number in the UK will be mandatory for :

  • any business that operates a market place through which goods are sold to UK customers;

  • any company that sells goods directly (without using a market-place) to UK customers when the goods are:

    • sold to the UK directly from abroad;
    • or imported into the UK in consignments of a value not exceeding GBP 135 and then sold in the UK;
    • or purchased in the UK and resold in the United Kingdom;

More information: VAT treatment of low-value imported goods in the UK.

For more details, contact our experts.

Source: HM Revenue & Customs