Custom & Excise Hypocrisy

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 12:18

Arriving at LHR from ECN with 3 cartons of cigarettes I was informed that coming from North Cyprus the limit was only one as it was not in the EU however, on departing from the same port returning to ECN and trying to retrieve VAT on my new computer (necessary forms in hand) I was told I was going to an EU country (Cyprus) and therefore not eligible for a refund! Maybe TRNC customs have a few new tricks to learn after all!!

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 13:38

Brinsley,



When customs asked you about your computer, your reply should have been Turkey, not North Cyprus.



I too have had problems with customs, but when asked for an address I simply quoted my address including "Mersin 10, Turkey". They were happy. I got my refund.



To all who read this, NEVER mention the word CYPRUS anywhere in your dealings if you are claiming a refund for VAT, but do mention "CYPRUS", minus the word "NORTH" when you want to be treated for the rights of all EU Citizens.



Customs don't have the time to grill you about the ins and outs of the political situation and many are unaware there is a situation. Many still believe that the whole of Cyprus is in the EU!

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 13:49

Dear TimothyCadman, re msg 2



Good advice - be economical with the truth to Customs men... NOT... :(

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 15:11

For the purposes of VAT HMC&E treat TRNC as "not beinging in the EU" this from their own literature and website. As far as duty free is concerned I think the same applies as having bought duty-frees in Stansted departure I was asked to produce my CTA ticket showing Ercan via "Wherever" in Turkey. In which case returning to UK from Ercan the same duty-free status should apply, ie returning to UK from a non-EU country.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 18:21

Thanks to Messrs Cadman & Vaughan. It seems to me, other than being a complete enigma the answer is eloquent b***s**T!



Brinsley

chick


Joined: 02/07/2008
Posts: 323

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 20:37

I think you will find when coming from NC, the arrivals show coming from Istanbul, Antalya etc so this are classified as arriving from Turkey.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
05/04/2009 10:20

if you purchase goods which are going outside the e.u you should get them vat free.

this works well when you order on line.

also if you are flying to ercan you can buy duty free at the airport. if you fly to the south you are flying within the eu and you can't.

even though all of cyprus is in the eu, the north is still classed as outside.

i think this is due to it being unrecognised by the outside world other than turkey.