If you’ve ever purchased something from Europe, you might know the hassle of dealing with VAT (Value Added Tax) and import duties. And if you find yourself in a situation where you need to return those goods, it can quickly become a confusing and frustrating experience. Fear not, for I’ve been through it too, and I’m here to guide you through the process step by step.

Firstly, let’s address the question: “Why not just buy from the UK in the first place?” Well, sometimes there are products that you can’t find in the UK, making purchasing from Europe the only option. So, let’s dive into the process of returning goods and getting your VAT and import duties refunded.

Step 1: Contact the Original Supplier

If you plan to return an item to Europe, the first step is to inform the shop or seller you bought it from. Request confirmation of the return and the fact that the goods will remain in the country of origin. This information should tie in with the original invoice and include the customs tariff number. These details will be needed to demonstrate that the goods are indeed being returned to Europe.

Step 2: Obtain Import Documentation from the Courier

The next step involves getting the necessary import documentation from the courier you used. Each courier might have different procedures, but you’ll need specific reference numbers for the customs refund form. Reach out to the courier, request the entry advice, and a breakdown of the customs and VAT charges. This breakdown will help you identify the VAT and customs amounts you paid, which are essential for the refund process.

Step 3: Filling Out the UK Customs Form (C285)

Now comes the most critical step – filling out the UK Customs Form (C285) to request a refund. This form can be found on the HMRC website, but beware, it’s not the most user-friendly document. Make sure you have the necessary information from Step 2, including your VAT registration number and the courier’s VAT ID without the hyphens.

Within the form, you’ll need to provide details like your status as a private individual without a VAT registration number, the courier’s address and telephone number, and the VAT registration number of the courier. Additionally, you’ll require two crucial pieces of information, the Customs Entry Number (a three-digit code followed by six numbers and a letter) and the Entry Date (the date the goods entered the country). These should be available on the courier’s import documentation.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

After you’ve completed the form, double-check that all the information is accurate, and submit it online. Unfortunately, you’ll need to print the form and supporting documents and send them by mail. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to be patient and wait. HMRC states it may take around five weeks to receive a decision on your refund request.

While the process can be tedious, and sometimes HMRC’s guidance may not be the most helpful, following these steps should give you the best chance of getting your VAT and import duties refunded. Remember, for purchases under £135, you won’t need to worry about VAT and import duties in the first place. But for the rest of us, these steps should help navigate the post-Brexit “omni shambles” and get that hard-earned money back in your pocket.

Step 5: Completing the Form and Sending it by Post

Now that we’ve gathered all the necessary information and supporting documents, it’s time to move on to the next step of the process. Step 4 involves printing out the form, signing it, and sending it in the post along with all the required documents.

1. Print the Form: Start by printing out the form that you downloaded in Step 3. Make sure you have a printer available, and use a good quality paper for the printout. This will ensure that the form is legible and professional-looking.
2. Sign the Form: Once you have the form printed out, carefully read through it to understand the sections that require your signature. Typically, you will find a designated space at the end of the form where you need to sign. Put your signature there, following any specific instructions provided on the form.
3. Gather the Supporting Documents: Along with the signed form, you’ll need to include all the supporting documents as outlined by HMRC. This usually includes the import documentation and the original invoice. Additionally, include any other relevant paperwork that may be required for your specific situation.
4. Send it via Post: It may seem a bit peculiar that, despite being an online process, the completed form and documents need to be sent by post. To ensure a secure and trackable delivery, it’s advisable to go to the post office and send it as a signed-for or registered mail. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your package is being delivered safely.
5. Digital Conversion: After your package is received at the destination address, it goes through a process of being scanned and converted to a digital format. This step enables the authorities to process the information more efficiently. It’s a rather interesting aspect of the procedure, considering the initial submission was in a digital format.
6. Wait for the Results: With the completion of this step, you’ve done your part in submitting the required information and documents. Now, all that’s left to do is exercise a bit of patience. Typically, it takes around five weeks to receive a response from HMRC regarding the outcome of your submission. So, sit tight and wait for the results to arrive.

While navigating this process, it’s crucial to keep a positive mindset. Remember that you are not alone in experiencing the challenges that come with these new regulations. Many others have found themselves in a similar boat, trying to decipher complex requirements and juggling various reference numbers. Engaging in online communities or forums where people share their experiences can be helpful in finding support and insights.

It’s worth noting that the entire Brexit-related process, including dealing with customs and couriers, has been quite frustrating for many individuals. The lack of clarity and simplicity in the procedures has been a cause of inconvenience and disappointment. Ideally, the UK government should have made the process more consumer-friendly, ensuring that necessary information is clearly communicated by couriers and HMRC alike.

In an ideal scenario, when seeking assistance from customs or HMRC, one should be able to have a conversation where they can provide the necessary information and receive guidance in completing the required forms. This would eliminate the need for individuals to spend extensive time trying to figure out the process independently.

Please keep in mind that I’m not an HMRC advisor, and I won’t be able to answer specific questions regarding processes or procedures. However, I encourage you to support each other in the comments, as your shared experiences and knowledge can be a valuable resource for those facing similar challenges.

I hope this guide has been helpful to you and others who have felt frustrated and confused throughout this process.