VAT and EU exports

We are regularly asked about what VAT to charge overseas customers.  Here is our summary for the EU.

Goods sold to customers based in another EU country can be zero-rated if the customer is a VAT registered business.  To ensure your paperwork is water-tight you should quote the customer’s VAT number on your invoice to them and keep a proof of shipping.

If the customer collects the goods from you in the UK, ask for a 15% deposit which can then be returned to them once proof of the export is supplied to you.