New guidance aims to support Chinese-based exporters

HMRC has published VAT guidance for overseas sellers with a new translation aimed at Chinese retailers that sell goods online into the UK.

The guidance has been translated into simplified Mandarin to support sellers exporting goods from China to comply with UK import and VAT regulations.

In 2022 the UK imported £83.3bn in goods and services from China and Hong Kong. Online shopping accounted for 26.5% of all UK retail sales in that year.

The information explains when and how VAT and import duties must be charged to customers by international sellers. It discusses the different processes for direct to customer sales and for sellers using online marketplaces.

Marc Gill HMRC’s director for individuals and small business compliance said: ‘We have been working closely with international partners to better understand what information overseas sellers need in order to comply with their UK...