VAT Information for UK and Ireland Customers
At Akon, we aim to make the ordering process as smooth and transparent as possible — that includes helping you understand how VAT (Value-Added Tax) works when buying from our UK or Ireland operations.
Whether you’re a business or an individual, this page explains how VAT is applied depending on your location, your VAT registration status, and the type of product you're purchasing.
What Is VAT?
VAT (Value-Added Tax) is a sales tax that’s applied to most goods and services in both the UK and Ireland. It’s included at each stage of the supply chain and is typically paid by the end user.
VAT for Customers in the United Kingdom
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Standard VAT rate: 20%
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Some products may qualify for reduced (5%) or zero (0%) rates depending on the category.
If your order is shipped from within the UK, we’ll charge UK VAT at the applicable rate.
If your order is shipped from our facility in Ireland, and you are a VAT-registered UK business, we may be able to zero-rate the invoice. In this case, you will be responsible for accounting for import VAT when the goods arrive in the UK.
VAT for Customers in Ireland
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Standard VAT rate: 23%
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Some categories may have reduced VAT rates, such as 13.5%, 9%, or 0%.
If your business is based in Ireland, and we are registered for VAT in Ireland, VAT will be added to your invoice at the Irish rate.
If your business is VAT-registered and based in another EU country, we can zero-rate the invoice under the reverse charge mechanism. You’ll need to provide a valid VAT number at checkout.
VAT for EU and International Orders
EU Business Customers
If you are a VAT-registered business within the EU, and you provide a valid VAT number, we will not charge VAT on your order. You will account for VAT using the reverse charge process.
EU Individual Customers
If you are not VAT-registered, we will apply Irish VAT to your order at 23%.
UK–Ireland Trade Post-Brexit
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, cross-border trade follows different VAT rules:
| Ship From | Ship To | Customer Type | VAT Charged? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | UK | B2B (with valid UK VAT) | No (zero-rated export, import VAT due in UK) |
| Ireland | UK | B2C | VAT may be charged depending on order value and registration thresholds |
| UK | Ireland | B2B (with valid EU VAT) | No (reverse charge applies) |
| UK | Ireland | B2C | Irish VAT may apply under distance selling rules |
What This Means for You
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UK and Irish VAT is applied where required by law
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B2B customers can enter their VAT number during checkout
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Zero-rated VAT is available for qualifying international and EU business transactions
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Import VAT and customs may apply for UK customers receiving goods from Ireland
If you're unsure whether VAT applies to your order, please contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help clarify and ensure you receive accurate invoicing.