EU firms refuse UK deliveries over Brexit tax changes

EU firms refuse UK deliveries over Brexit tax changes

By Robert PlummerBusiness reporter, BBC News

Publishedduration48 minutes ago

image copyrightBeer On Web

Some specialist online retailers in various EU countries have said they will no longer deliver to UK addresses because of tax changes due to Brexit.

Bicycle part firm Dutch Bike Bits said from now on, it would ship to every country in the world except the UK.

"We are forced by British policy to stop dealing with British customers," it said on its website.

Another firm, Belgium-based Beer On Web, said it was now shunning the UK "due to the new Brexit measures".

The companies are angry because they now face higher costs and increased bureaucracy in order to comply with UK tax authorities.

The moves follow changes in VAT rules brought in by HM Revenue and Customs on 1 January.

VAT is now being collected at the point of sale rather than at the point of importation, a change that HMRC says will ensure that goods from EU and non-EU countries are treated in the same way.

This essentially means that overseas retailers sending goods to the UK are expected to register for UK VAT and account for it to HMRC if the sale value is less than €150 (£135).

'Not what we wanted'

"For providing this service,