The Government has introduced a relief scheme available to importers of medical supplies, equipment and protective garments during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The scheme is aimed at importers of certain goods which are
- For distribution free of charge to those affected by, at risk from or involved in combating the coronavirus
- To be made available free of charge to those affected by, at risk from or involved in combating the coronavirus outbreak, while remaining the property of the organisations importing them
To benefit from the relief, the importers must be
- State organisation, including state bodies, public bodies and other bodies governed by public law
- Other authorised non-state bodies
Authorisations are granted by National Import Relief Unit (NIRU) and an application form should be requested by email (niru@hmrc.gov.uk)
Goods imported into the UK for donation or onward sale to the NHS are also eligible for this relief and can be imported free of import duty and import VAT.
HMRC has issued a new CPC Code to be used on import entries to claim the relief at the time of entry to Free Circulation.
If you are unsure whether this relief could apply to you or have any other questions, then please contact us directly and we will be happy to assist.