The Spanish Ministry of Finance has recently revoked a rule in force since 1998 through which the import VAT paid by a customs representative on account of the …
The Spanish Ministry of Finance has recently revoked a rule in force since 1998 through which the import VAT paid by a customs representative on account of the importer could be refunded directly to said representative.
This will be no longer applicable as of January 2016. Therefore, customs representative anticipating the payment on Import VAT on behalf of their customers will be no longer eligible to claim the VAT back to the Spanish VAT and Customs Authorities. Import VAT paid in Spain will only be refunded to the importer of records.
The above will oblige importers to reconsider the relationship and agreements in place between customs representatives and their customers.
Fernando Matesanz
Spanish VAT Services Asesores
