Prevent VAT being added to Low Value Mail Order Items.

Responsible department: Her Majesty's Treasury

Directive 83/181/EEC requires Member States to exempt imported items costing 10 euros or less from VAT.

HM Treasury has announced that, from 1/4/2012, ALL goods sent to the UK from the Channel Islands will be subject to VAT, effectively introducing a 20% stealth tax on low value items ordered, primarily, over the internet

The proposed action disadvantages the UK Consumer compared to every other European Citizen, discriminates against The Channel Islands, will cost millions of pounds to impose and collect and will introduce inflationary forces

The petitioners request that HM Government conduct a full review of Low Value Consignment Relief operations to establish an accurate amount for the de minimis figure to be applied, as opposed to the arbitrary range of values that are currently in force

Until that figure is established, we ask that the LVCR threshold of £15, announced 1/11/11, remains in force and any future threshold be applied on fair and equitable basis