VAT Information for UK and Ireland Customers
At Akon, we aim to make the ordering process as smooth and transparent as possible, which 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.
Common Questions
Why is VAT 0% on my order?
You see 0 percent VAT when your order is treated as an export, when it ships from one of our UK partner warehouses, or when an EU business sale qualifies for reverse charge. In these cases we do not charge Irish VAT, but local VAT and customs fees may still be collected on delivery.
When will I be charged 23% Irish VAT?
We normally charge 23 percent Irish VAT when goods dispatch from the Republic of Ireland and are delivered to customers in Ireland, and in some cases to private customers in other EU countries. The exact VAT amount is shown at checkout before you pay and on your invoice.
I am an EU business with a VAT number, how is VAT handled?
If your goods dispatch from Ireland to another EU country and you enter a valid EU VAT number, your order is usually treated as an intra-EU supply. In that case we do not charge Irish VAT and you account for VAT in your own country under the reverse charge rules.
I am in the UK, do I pay VAT?
For most orders shipped from Ireland or from our UK partner warehouses to the UK, we do not charge Irish VAT at checkout. Instead, UK VAT and any import or handling fees may be charged by the carrier or customs when the goods arrive in the United Kingdom.
I am outside the EU and UK, do I pay VAT?
Orders shipped outside the EU and UK are normally treated as exports, so we do not charge Irish VAT. Your order will show 0 percent VAT at checkout. Your local customs office or carrier may collect VAT, sales tax, and import duties when the shipment reaches your country.
Why is there no VAT on my Irish invoice?
Sometimes orders for Irish delivery ship from our UK partner warehouses rather than from the Republic of Ireland. In those cases we generally do not charge Irish VAT on the invoice. Instead, Irish or UK VAT and any import fees may be charged separately by the carrier or customs when the goods are imported.