Get your import VAT certificate (C79)
Find out how you can get your import VAT certificates (C79), if you have paid import VAT using a duty deferment account.
Before getting your certificate
Your import VAT certificates will show how much VAT you’ve paid on imports.
You can get your import VAT certificate (C79) if you have paid import VAT using a duty deferment account.
If you used postponed VAT accounting to account for import VAT on your VAT Return instead, find out how to get your postponed import VAT statement.
When the certificates will be available
The certificates are available online every month, usually by the 10th working day. They will show the previous month in which import VAT was paid. For example, if you wanted to view a statement from March, you would need to wait until the 10th working day of April.
You can only access a statement for 6 months from the date it’s published. You should download and keep a copy of each statement in your records.
Statements older than 6 months
Statements older than 6 months are archived. Guidance on how to access older statements can be found by accessing your Customs Declaration Service dashboard that you’ll be subscribed to.
How to get your certificates
To get your certificates, you’ll need to sign in. Your sign in details are linked to your EORI number. If you do not have sign in details, you can create them when you get your import VAT certificate.
Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with this service.
After getting your certificate
You can use your certificates to help you recover the VAT as input tax on your VAT Return.
Updates to this page
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Information about when your import VAT certificate (C79) will be available has been added.
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The Customs Declaration Service has replaced CHIEF for all import and export declarations.
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Reference to making declarations through the CHIEF service removed as new submissions not available after 4 June 2024. All import and export submissions should be made through the Customs Declaration Service.
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HMRC has clarified which import VAT certificates (C79) to use for March 2020 and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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First published.