Only Owners Can Claim Import VAT: Lessons from the TSI Instruments Tribunal Case

• TSI Instruments imported and repaired goods owned by customers, paying import VAT and seeking to reclaim it.
• HMRC refused the VAT reclaim, arguing only the owner of the goods can deduct import VAT.
• The tribunal ruled against TSI, stating only the owner or entity with disposal rights can claim import VAT credit.
• TSI’s claim failed because it did not own the goods and their value was not included in its service price.
• HMRC guidance and legislation confirm only the owner of imported goods can reclaim import VAT.

Source: marcusward.co

Note that this post was (partially) written with the help of AI. It is always useful to review the original source material, and where needed to obtain (local) advice from a specialist.

---

---