Reclaiming VAT in UK when travelling back via EU countries

[simongr]

Hi all

I am thinking of buying a new and expensive watch whilst I am in the UK as I expect that the base price will be significantly cheaper than the prices we pay here in Oz.

I know that the UK has a similar tax refund scheme for tourists as Oz - though it seems more coughbersome and as a result I have never bothered.

Given that VAT is 20% and the price of the watch could be around $5K I thought it might be worth a bit more investigation.

My problem is that when I leave the UK I am flying LHR-Cyprus(2 night stop)-LHR-Oz and I am wondering if I will be able to reclaim the VAT ex-UK or ex-Cyprus.

Does anyone have any experience of this?

The Customs website has some info and I think I can reclaim the VAT - I am just trying to work out the process.

I will of course declare the item on my way into Oz.

S

 

[Nigelinoz]

Hi Simon,
The only information I have been able to find is probably the same that you mentioned in your post however I will post it here anyway,sorry I can't be of any more assistance.

8.What must I do when I leave the UK?

(a) Leaving for an immediate destination outside the EC:
If you are not travelling to any other country within the EC, you must present your goods and the refund form to UK Customs at your port or airport of departure. Items that will be checked in as hold baggage must be produced to Customs before you check in your baggage.
During busy periods, queues are likely and you should allow yourself plenty of time in which to produce the goods and refund form prior to departure. This is particularly important if you are exporting goods in your hold baggage as any extra time allowed should be in addition to your advised check in time.
When Customs are satisfied that all the conditions of the Scheme have been met, they will certify and return your refund form to you.
(b) Leaving the EC via another EC country:
If you are departing the EC via another EC country, you must present the goods and the refund form to the Customs authorities of that country.
(c) Leaving the EC on a through ( transit ) flight via another EC Member State:
There are special rules for goods being carried on through flights leaving via another Member State.

• Hand Baggage:
  Goods carried as hand baggage must be produced to Customs in the last EC Country with the refund form before leaving to return home.
• Hold Baggage:
  Goods carried as hold baggage must be produced to Customs in the UK with the refund form before you check in your baggage.

Cheers
N'oz

 

[simongr]

That's what I am trying to interpret - my understanding is that it is a two part process (well three technically):

1 - Buy from the appropriate retailer and get a form signed there and then
2 - go to customs just inside the terminal and get the form signed
3 - go to customs after/immigration to finalise the claim

I am not sure if I still need to do stage 2 in the UK and then do I finalise the claim in Cyprus?

 

[medhead]

Did you end up working out how to do this?