VWRHS4060 - Fiscal warehouses: Authorisation criteria

The following checklist is applied to all applications.

  1. The applicant must be VAT-registered in the United Kingdom.
  2. The revenue record of the business must be of a high standard, for example VAT returns and payments must be up to date. Checks of VISION, CENTAUR, and other relevant information systems must be completed. Contact may be made in appropriate cases with other relevant bodies, for example the London Metal Exchange.
  3. Any applicant who is already authorised to operate any HMRC-authorised duty suspensive regime must have a satisfactory proven record of operation. The views of local VAT, excise and customs assurance staff will be sought where appropriate, as will those of relevant policy teams.
  4. The applicant must indicate an ability to comply with the conditions of authorisation and with such regulations as the Commissioners may lay down for the operation of the regime.
  5. The applicant must demonstrate that the administration and organisation of the business is sound and effectively managed.
  6. A list must be provided of addresses of premises where fiscal warehousing records will be held and of all storage sites. All storage premises should be used primarily for the trading and storage of goods, though not necessarily within the fiscal warehousing regime.
  7. The applicant must show or declare that their stock records and accounting system are capable of fully meeting our requirements. In particular, the applicant must demonstrate that the company’s accounts and stock control records are able to differentiate between fiscally warehoused goods and any other stocks held on the premises. The records must also be capable of identifying the location and quantity of any given item held within a fiscal warehouse at any stage. This should be apparent from the details provided with the application.

Authorisation should be withheld where any of the above appropriate criteria are not met. The applicant may appeal against refusal of the authorisation, or against conditions imposed. The decision letter must offer the applicant a review and inform them of their right of appeal. Examples of appropriate wording can be found in the Appeals, Review and Tribunals Guidance (ARTG) at ARTG15000.