Buying Equipment in a non-EU country - taxes - Contractor UK Bulletin Board

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Lance replied

12 March 2019, 19:46
Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Just out of interest..

Mainly? Cameras? So it would indicate a few? What do you do that needs multiple camera and other random electronic wizardry? If you needed it wouldn't you have bought it already rather than waited until a conference to buy it?

Gonzo porn
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northernladuk replied

12 March 2019, 18:29
Just out of interest..

We want to buy electronics intended for business use (mainly digital cameras) there.

Mainly? Cameras? So it would indicate a few? What do you do that needs multiple camera and other random electronic wizardry? If you needed it wouldn't you have bought it already rather than waited until a conference to buy it?
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WTFH replied

12 March 2019, 18:28
Do your research. You might be a bit disappointed with camera prices. What you will find is that they discount old models and you may see new ones before they are readily available elsewhere. But if you’re hoping to pick up a Red Epic-X for £500, you’re in for a shock.

I’d recommend BIC Camera, there’s a few of them around.
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Lance replied

12 March 2019, 18:02
1. Yes.
2. No. You’ve not paid UK VAT.
3. Yes as long as it meets the usual requirement for business expense.
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kuba started a topic Buying Equipment in a non-EU country - taxes

12 March 2019, 12:56
Buying Equipment in a non-EU country - taxes

Hello!

I have a question. We're a VAT-registered business in the UK.
We have a business trip coming to Japan. We want to buy electronics intended for business use (mainly digital cameras) there. They are much cheaper in Japan.
We would be bringing them in personal luggage. Probably even open them and use them there.

I have been researching for days but still cannot find a clear answer if buying there makes sense from the tax standpoint.
Questions I am trying to answer are:

1. Can we use the Japanese tax-free programme. Buy the goods and reclaim the tax in the shop.
2. Can we bring the cameras with us and reclaim the VAT here in the UK?
3. Can we write them off as a cost?

I feel I am not really understanding this, hence my questions might be totally wrong. Can you help me?
I have been mainly reading this:
Paying VAT on imports, acquisitions and purchases from abroad - GOV.UK

Thank you very much
Tags: noneu, tax, vat