Exports of Goods from UAE to Non-GCC VAT Implementing States

Non-GCC VAT implementing States

A non-GCC VAT implementing State can be a State within the GCC territory which has not implemented VAT and also, a country outside of the GCC territory. In the GCC territory, only UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have implemented VAT currently. Hence, export of goods from UAE to any GCC State except Saudi Arabia and any country outside of the GCC region will be discussed in this article.

Types of exports

When goods are exported from UAE to a non-GCC VAT implementing State, the export can be of 2 types:

• Direct exports
• Indirect exports

Direct exports

Direct exports are exports where the supplier is responsible for arranging the transportation of goods or appoints an agent to do so on his behalf.

Indirect exports

Indirect exports are exports where the recipient is responsible for arranging the collection of goods from the supplier in UAE and who exports the goods himself, or has appointed an agent to do so on his behalf.

Direct export to a non-GCC VAT implementing State

A direct export to a non-GCC VAT implementing State will be a zero rated supply, provided the following conditions are met:

• The goods should be physically exported or put into a customs suspension regime within 90 days from the date of supply.
• Official and commercial evidence of the export or customs suspension should be retained by the exporter.

Indirect export to a non-GCC VAT implementing State

An indirect export to a non-GCC VAT implementing State will be a zero rated supply, provided the following conditions are met:

• The goods are physically exported or put into a customs suspension regime within 90 days from the date of supply under an arrangement agreed by the supplier and recipient on or before the date of supply.
• The recipient should obtain official and commercial evidence of the export or customs suspension and should provide the supplier with a copy of the same.
• The goods should not be used or altered in the time between supply and export or customs suspension, except to the extent necessary to prepare the goods for export or customs suspension.
• The goods should not leave UAE in the possession of a passenger or crew member of an aircraft or ship.
• The recipient should not have a Place of Establishment or Fixed Establishment in UAE, should not reside in UAE and should not have a Tax Registration Number in UAE.