Useful Information

VAT Zero-Rate for Exports

Information on VAT for goods exported outside the European Union

When exporting goods to destinations outside the European Union, the VAT zero-rate is applicable. Companies can reclaim already paid VAT from the tax authorities. A proof of export must be kept in their administration.

Conditions for VAT Rebate (Private Individuals):

• The value per item must exceed Eur 50.00
• Owner must be a non-E.U. resident
• Date of export must be within 3 months after the date of purchase

As a Passenger

Before you check in, you can request customs at Schiphol Airport to stamp the suppliers invoice (be aware that customs may ask for a formal export entry in the case of a high value). In exchange for this proof of export, the supplier or shop may reimburse the already paid VAT.

The Global Refund Company offers a solution: Many shops participate in the Refund system and can give you a so-called Tax Free Cheque. If stamped by customs, you can immediately cash in this cheque at the Global Refund counter.

An alternative for VAT-rebate is offered by VAT Free. Through a registration on http://www.vatfree.nl/ and after receipt of the proof of export, the VAT will be reimbursed.

Refund of your tax paid to local company in the Netherlands

Leaving via Schiphol:

• Do it yourself:
  • Request an invoice from the seller. Leave a copy of your passport and bank details with the seller.
  • At Schiphol, report to customs and show the goods still in their original packing.
  • Send the stamped invoice back to the seller, who will refund the money to your bank account.
• Use a third party to handle your restitution:Follow the link

Seafreight options:

Please ask your shipper to issue an invoice reflecting that your company is located outside the EU. As a result, they do not need to apply VAT (BTW). If the shipper has any doubts, you can provide a copy of the Bill of Lading (B/L) at a later stage, which serves as proof that the cargo has been exported outside the EU.

If this is not clear, feel free to contact us for further information.

As Cargo

A completely different procedure is applicable for goods exported as cargo. The proof of export will be available only after several weeks!

In case you have a Global Refund Cheque:

• Fill in the reverse side of the Cheque with your bank or credit card details
• Under certain conditions WBS can accept your Cheque as a partial payment of the freight charges, with an administration fee of € 12.00

In case you do not have a Cheque but an invoice:

• Agent will declare your goods for export
• After a few weeks WBS will send the proof of export to you by surface mail
• Note: entry for one invoice is included in our service; for any additional suppliers invoice we charge € 15.00 extra

Important: Rebate of VAT is an agreement between the shop and the buyer. Seawings N.V. (and our agent) can assist you in this procedure, please contact us for more information.