How can I handle VAT for UK sales without registering abroad?

[NYCTrackbook]

I am located in the United States and I sell a product that's mostly purchased in the United States, however about maybe 5% of my sales are international, including to Britain and continental Europe.

My understanding as of 2021 was that I had to register with the British government, file quarterly reports, and collect/remit VAT. To which my response at the time was "I will no longer sell to the U.K."

Is there any way for me to ship this out with all the appropriate customs declarations, and let my British customers go to their local government facility and pay their taxes/VATs, etc? I'm not ever going to register with any foreign governments, but I feel bad for folks there who'd like to purchase what I'm currently able to sell to pretty much every other nation on earth.

Likewise for continental Europe, my understanding is I just don't have to participate in IOSS, and my customers in the Netherlands, France, Germany, etc, just get a VAT bill when the shipment arrives. That's fine by them and it's fine by me. Is there a way for me to do this for customers in England, Scotland, and Wales?

[Cathyem]

Did you ever find an answer/solution to this?  I am in Canada and stopped selling to UK for the same reason.  I would love to add UK back to my customer base but cant seem to find a straight answer to this problem.

[NYCTrackbook]

Hi,
Nope, I never did. At this point I refer international customers to one of my retail partners, Ron's Books, in CT. They happily ship anywhere in the world and they can deal with any fallout or headaches. Ironically, one of the most troublesome countries I send to is Canada (I'm an ex-pat, formerly from Toronto, born in Montreal). Canada Postage and Storage (a.k.a. His Majesty's Finest Turtles) is bad enough, but having parcels kicked back by customs or assigned HST valuations above what they should be, etc, is just so maddening.

[Cathyem]

Im actually an Expat from UK! lol.  I know what you mean about CP, its so expensive too compared to USPS.  Thanks for replying 🙂