Are you eligible for VAT relief?

Diabetes is a chronic sickness. HMRC guidelines state that if you are “chronically sick or disabled”, you are entitled to  purchase goods without VAT when purchased for your personal or domestic use. A parent, spouse or guardian is able to purchase on behalf of a “chronically sick or disabled” person with diabetes and obtain the VAT relief.

HMRC defines “chronically sick or disabled” as physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial adverse effect upon his/her ability to carry out everyday activities or a condition which the medical profession treats as a chronic sickness – this includes diabetes which will be the main reason for your purchase from our shop.

HMRC defines “personal or domestic use” as goods used for your own private use, rather than for business purposes. It cannot be used by anyone else or “chronically sick or disabled” in general.

Which products are eligible for VAT relief?

The declaration is only attached to those products that are eligible for the relief. It is only those products which have been designed solely for use by disabled people are eligible for the VAT relief. It is the designer or manufacturer who determines this.

Further information on the VAT relief can be found on the HMRC website – VAT Notice 701/7: VAT reliefs for disabled or older people. Please do not make the declaration if you are unsure – it is an offence to make a false declaration.