Brexit import taxes hit UK horse buyers hard

The complex situation is changing, but new import VAT requirements have come in

- LUCY ELDER

NEW costs and extra paperwork for horses moving between the UK and EU are the post-Brexit reality for the horse industry.

New import VAT requirements add 20% for many people to the price of buying horses from Ireland and EU nations. British sellers may also find they face VAT and/or duty when selling British-based horses to the EU.

The situation is complex, and changing. VAT-registered businesses look likely to be able to account for this on their VAT returns, while VAT is zero-rated for exports in most countries, which may help some. But other businesses and private buyers are in a different boat. Anyone buying or selling horses is also faced with extra paperwork and other costs.

“It’s costing about €170 [£151] on top of normal transport costs, so €350 to €400 to ship a horse,” Wexford-based Monbeg Sport Horses’ Marti Rudd told H&H, adding that this is because of costs incurred with health papers and appointing a customs agent.

“Most worryingly is the 20% VAT to be paid by the buyer in Britain. If you buy a €10,000 horse [£8,882], the VAT and costs, paperwork and delays are adding around €2,500 [£2,220]. That is a lot for most people.”