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Notice SIVA1: Simplified Import VAT Accounting
SIVA allows you to reduce the level of financial guarantee needed to run a duty deferment account for VAT purposes.
1.Introduction
1.What is SIVA?
SIVA is a scheme that allows you to reduce the level of financial guarantee required to operate a duty deferment account for VAT purposes.
The objective of this scheme is to provide compliance cost savings for legitimate businesses by reducing the level of financial security required to guarantee the payments of import VAT.
Specifically, authorised traders will be able to apply to reduce the level of financial guarantee required to operate a duty deferment account for VAT purposes only. This may mean that the cost of having a guarantee will be reduced.
To qualify you must:
- be the holder of a live Deferment Account or intend to apply for one, and
- meet all the requirements set out in the approval criteria (see section 3)
2. SIVA overview
2.1 How do I get approval?
To take advantage of this scheme and obtain authorisation for reduced security approval, you need to first check that you meet the criteria. You should then apply for SIVA by completing and returning the application form SIVAApplication form ( SIVA1)
We undertake to issue an approval decision within 120 days of application. However, if we are unable to issue a decision within this period, you will be issued with an interim acknowledgement of your application. If you’re approved, you also receive guidance on the changes you need to make to your deferment account.
Access to the SIVA scheme is open to all traders who meet the SIVA approval criteria.
If you’re an agent you can also apply for SIVA approval (see section 5).
2. How much import VAT can I defer?
Successful applicants will be granted authority to operate a 0% guarantee for import VAT purposes only.
We will determine what level of security is required for your deferment account and the maximum amount that may be deferred in any one month. The maximum amount will be based on current or anticipated liabilities.
Please note: Any trader who is approved for reduced security for import VAT will continue to have a deferment account limit which must not be exceeded when deferring charges over a calendar month. The deferment account limit will reflect your current usage of duty deferment, which will typically reflect your current guarantee level.
You will still be required to provide a guarantee to cover other duty liabilities (for example, 100% customs, 100% excise – subject to excise partial security rules).