VAT in International Business

Online Workshop

Master VAT in international trade — stay compliant, control costs and avoidk ris

VAT is one of the most complex areas of international trade. Incorrect treatment can lead to unexpected costs, delays, and HMRC penalties.

This practical workshop explains how VAT applies to imports, exports and cross-border services — helping your business operate confidently, compliantly and efficiently.

What You Will Learn

Gain a clear, practical understanding of VAT in international trade and how to apply it correctly in your business.

You will learn how to:

• Apply UK VAT rules to international goods and services
• Zero-rate exports correctly and retain the right evidence
• Manage import VAT and postponed VAT accounting (PVA)
• Apply VAT rules to cross-border services
• Avoid common VAT errors and compliance risks
• Maintain accurate VAT records for HMRC

Contents

VAT Fundamentals in International Trade
• Core VAT principles in global trade
• How VAT applies to cross-border transactions
• Key terminology and concepts

VAT on Exports
• Zero-rating conditions
• Evidence requirements
• Common compliance risks

VAT on Imports
• How import VAT works
• VAT recovery and cash flow
• Postponed VAT accounting (PVA)

VAT on International Services
• Place of supply rules
• B2B vs B2C treatment
• Exceptions and special cases

EU & International VAT Considerations
• Trading with the EU post-Brexit
• Distance selling considerations
• VAT and customs interaction

VAT Compliance & Reporting
• VAT returns and reporting
• Record keeping requirements
• Audit readiness and risk management

Why This Course Matters

VAT directly impacts cash flow, pricing and compliance.

Incorrect VAT treatment can result in:

• Financial penalties
• Overpaid or unrecoverable VAT
• Shipment delays
• Reduced competitiveness

With increasing compliance checks and evolving trade rules, businesses must ensure VAT is handled correctly.

This course helps you reduce risk, improve efficiency and protect profitability.

Who Should Attend?

Ideal for professionals involved in international trade and finance:

• Finance and VAT managers
• Import/export managers
• Shipping and logistics teams
• Accounts and finance staff
• Compliance professionals
• Businesses trading internationally

Click here to see our booking terms and conditions.

Refund Policy - Refunds up to 7 days before the event. Eventbrite's 5% processing fee is non-refundable.