Non EU Visitor - Reclaim VAT refund while leaving UK

[rajesh9pl]

Hi,

My in laws (Indian/Non EU) have come to UK on Family Visitor visa. They want to buy a LED TV and carry it to India while leaving.

I understand they need to Pay Custom duty at Indian airport. I would like to know if they can claim VAT at Heathrow.

These links say Retailer has to be part of Retail Export Scheme or Tax Free Shopping:
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/sectors/cons ... sitors.htm
http://www.london-guides.co.uk/pages.php?id=e0701050

Are all retailers like Amazon, Curry or Comet part of above scheme or I need to ask each retailer?

Your suggestion or sharing experience would help me taking call on above.

Many thanks,
Rajesh

[AccountantMatthew]

Speak with them individually before buying as forms needs to be filled out. From experience of having non-EU resident visitors buying from over here you may have to get a second opinion so I'd leave plenty of time before departure to get things sorted out.

I'm sure you've already thought of it but ringing the airport duty free shops ahead of departure for a price to compare against may also be an option.

[barker]

Hi Rajesh,

Your in-laws will need to purchase the TV from a retailer who accepts VAT refunds. They will issue you with a VAT refund slip along with the invoice. You will need to declare the goods at the airport before leaving the country. At Terminal 3 the VAT Refund counter is near gate D / E if I remember correctly. Once you clear security there is another counter where you need to get the invoice and refund slip stamped. They can then ask for the refund in a couple of ways but the easiest is to check with the retailer if he will reverse the amount back to the card and pay by credit card. Or else they could issue a cheque and you can collect it on their behalf. Do keep in mind there is a handling fee of about £75.00 so not all the VAT will be refunded.

DO NOT pay for the goods on a UK debit or credit card, if you do so then they will refuse to refund as goods have been purchased by someone resident here.