No VAT for SAPARD imports

Imports of goods funded by non-repayable loans and used within SAPARD projects are VAT exempt, the SAPARD Agency announces. The imports of goods directly financed through non-repayable loans granted to Romania by international institutions or foreign governments are VAT exempt, under the provisions of Law 345/2002 on VAT with all the modifications hitherto and of its enforcement guidelines. The VAT exemption is also granted by customs offices upon proof of these imports being funded by non-repayable loans granted under the SAPARD Multiannual financing agreement. The customs inspection is performed under the customs regulations in force. The importer or its representatives are bound to declare the goods and present them for customs inspection by submitting a detailed customs statement within 30 days from the registration of the declaration abstract. The statement is then forwarded to the customs authority along with the shipment documents for the goods or, in case there are no such documents, any other documents issued by the carrier for the goods transported will do. Also required are the invoice (either original or a copy) or any other document used to file the declaration at the customs office and the declaration of value at the customs office. At the same time, it is also mandatory to submit the necessary documents to get a preferential tariff regime or any other dispensations from the base tariff, as well as any other document required by the enforcement of the legal stipulations regulating the import of the declared goods and the fiscal code of the holder. ZF