VAT: Council adopts short-term fixes to current EU system

Brussels [ENA] The Council adopted three short legislative acts aimed at adjusting some of the EU's VAT rules in order to fix four specific issues pending the introduction of a new VAT system. These relate to: * call-off stock. The text provides for a simplified and uniform treatment for call-off stock arrangements, where a vendor transfers stock to a warehouse at the disposal of a known acquirer in another member state;

* the VAT identification number. To benefit from a VAT exemption for the intra-EU supply of goods, the identification number of the customer will become an additional condition; * chain transactions. To enhance legal certainty in determining the VAT treatment of chain transactions, the texts establish uniform criteria; * proof of intra-EU supply. A common framework is established for the documentary evidence required to claim a VAT exemption for intra-EU supplies. These adjustments are due to apply from 1 January 2020.

In parallel, discussions are ongoing on a definitive VAT system to replace the current 'transitional' VAT arrangements, applied since 1993. Pending introduction of the new system, four short-term 'quick fixes' are proposed. Ministers also endorsed a report to the European Council on tax issues, as well as a report by the Code of Conduct group on business taxation, together with Council conclusions, which also addresses cooperation with jurisdictions outside the EU.