VAT on Imports in UAE
When goods or services are received from outside UAE into UAE, the supply is called an import.
Are imports taxable?
Imports are taxable under VAT. When a person registered under VAT in UAE imports goods or services, the importer has to pay VAT on imports on reverse charge basis. This is in addition to customs duty levied on imports. The scenarios of import can be divided as follows:
- Import by a person registered under VAT
- Import by a person not registered under VAT
- Goods trans-shipped via UAE to other GCC countries
- Goods imported to UAE and exported to other countries
What is reverse charge?
When a supply is made, usually, the supplier of goods or services is liable to collect and pay tax to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). This is called forward charge. Under reverse charge, the recipient of the supply is liable to pay the tax on the supply to the Federal Tax Authority. In the case of imports, as the supplier is outside UAE and is hence, not registered in UAE, the liability to pay tax on the import is on the importer registered under VAT in UAE.
What is the VAT rate applicable on imports?
On imports, VAT rate of 5% will be applicable. The only exception is import of precious metals, on which VAT rate of 0% is applicable. The rate of VAT applicable on imports is kept same as the VAT rate applicable on domestic supplies, in order to ensure that imports are taxed equally as domestic supplies.
Can input tax be recovered on imports?
Yes, the tax paid by the recipient of the supply on imports is eligible for input tax recovery.
Are records of imports required to be maintained?
Yes, records of imports are required to be maintained for a minimum of 5 years from the end of the year to which the invoices pertain.
Hence, exports and imports are integral activities for traders in UAE. Knowledge of compliance under VAT is essential for these businesses to accurately meet the compliance requirements as well as utilise the benefits of VAT.
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