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NHS suppliers will no longer have to pay customs duty and import VAT on specific medical goods coming from outside the EU, including ventilators, coronavirus testing kits and protective clothing.
This new approach, in place until 31 July 2020, will allow companies to import critical goods at a faster rate and reduce costs. The relief can be claimed from HMRC immediately by state bodies, public bodies and other bodies governed by public law who are supplying the NHS. Companies benefiting from the relief must be approved by HMRC.
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak said: ‘We are taking decisive action to ensure our NHS has everything it needs to fight this outbreak. Waiving import taxes on vital medical equipment such as ventilators will speed up and increase the supply of critical items going to our frontline health workers.’
