SPE16140 - Aircraft and their parts: relief from VAT

This manual will be archived on 15 December 2025. For up-to-date guidance on special procedures, please refer to Pay less or no duty on goods you store, repair, process or temporarily use (GOV.UK) and Customs Technical Handbooks (GOV.UK). If you have feedback about this manual being archived, email hmrcmanualsteam@hmrc.gov.uk.

Note: This manual is under review and is likely to be withdrawn. If there is anything within this manual you use regularly, please email hmrcmanualsteam@hmrc.gov.uk to let us know. Please check the other guidance available on GOV.UK from HMRC.

There is a separate relief from VAT for certain parts and equipment to be incorporated in qualifying aircraft. However, raw or bulk materials, partly processed parts or equipment, and also non-specialist goods or appliances are excluded from zero rating.

Details can be found in Notice 744C Ships, trains, aircraft and associated services

Note: Northern Ireland (NI) customs authorisations will continue to fall within the provisions of the Union Customs Code (UCC), as retained by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and CEMA 1979.