Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What's the correct process for importing glass bottles from Germany: do we need a VAT deferment account or can we use postponed VAT accounting instead?
You can use postponed VAT accounting rather than setting up a separate deferment account. Here's how members are handling it: - **Postponed VAT accounting** — Register for this in the UK and provide your EORI number and VAT number to your haulier; your German supplier then invoices without VAT, and you account for the VAT on your UK VAT return instead. - **Haulier handles paperwork** — Several members report that their German suppliers or hauliers manage all import documentation once you supply your EORI and VAT details; bottles then arrive with no charge at import. - **Monitor the deferred VAT portal** — VAT entries can take time to appear on the postponed accounting portal, so members recommend asking your accountant to check it each quarter as they prepare your VAT return, otherwise the entry can easily be overlooked. - **Give it to your accountant** — This is a detail easily missed; flag it explicitly during VAT return preparation to avoid surprises. **Caveat:** One member noted this can "become a nasty little surprise" if not tracked properly—make it part of your standard quarterly accounting process.
How can UK duty stamps be sent overseas for pre-application before stock arrives back in the UK?
Members recommend sending duty stamps directly from the UK duty stamp platform to overseas locations (e.g., Mexico) where they can be pre-applied to stock before import. This avoids both the cost and delay of applying stamps in the UK on arrival. **Key steps:** - Register as a duty stamp agent with HMRC through an application process. Members noted this is one of the simpler HMRC processes. - Once registered and confirmed, you can access the duty stamp platform and send stamps directly to your overseas location at no cost. - Apply the stamps to your stock overseas before shipping back to the UK, reducing both costs and accelerating stock availability on arrival. **Caveat:** You must complete HMRC's registered duty stamp agent registration before you can access the platform and send stamps internationally.