Is VAT required for entrepot trade? Let's find out!
Our company is planning to start entrepot trade business recently but isn't clear about relevant tax policies. Does entrepot trade require VAT payment? We mainly purchase goods from foreign suppliers and sell directly to clients in other countries without domestic transit. How should VAT be handled in this case? Are there any special regulations or preferential policies? We'd appreciate professional advice. Thank you!












Professional consultant answers
Amanda YangYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Cost control consultantConsult
Entrepot trade typically doesn't require VAT payment. VAT is levied on value added during goods circulation. In entrepot trade, goods don't enter domestic customs territory and undergo no actual domestic consumption or circulation. From VAT principles, since no domestic value is added, payment is generally unnecessary.
For example, if Zhongshitong conducts entrepot trade, purchasing goods from Country A and selling directly to Country B without entering China, no domestic value addition occurs, thus no domestic VAT is involved.
However, companies must properly retain contracts, shipping documents and other materials for tax authority verification. Also, policy implementation details may vary across regional tax authorities, so prior communication with local tax departments is recommended to ensure compliance.
James LiuYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Generally, entrepot trade goods aren't processed/manufactured domestically and create no domestic value addition, thus exempt from VAT. However, proper records and declarations must follow local tax requirements.
Joseph ZhouYears of service:10Customer Rating:5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
If entrepot trade goods don't enter China's customs territory, domestic VAT normally doesn't apply. But don't neglect compliance with import/export customs procedures.
Andrew HuangYears of service:7Customer Rating:5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
Entrepot trade involves no domestic VAT payment as goods don't circulate domestically for value addition. However, ensure trade process legality to avoid tax risks.
Sarah ZhangYears of service:8Customer Rating:5.0
Document expertConsult
Entrepot trade usually exempts VAT since goods undergo no substantive domestic circulation. In practice, ensure trade contract terms align with tax treatments.
William YangYears of service:5Customer Rating:5.0
International logistics consultantConsult
Most entrepot trade cases don't require VAT as goods create no domestic value addition. Still, consult local tax authorities for specific situations.
Elizabeth LiYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
Entrepot trade generally excludes domestic VAT as goods involve no domestic value-adding activities. Companies should maintain proper trade process documentation.
Michelle ChenYears of service:3Customer Rating:5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Entrepot trade usually exempts VAT since goods create no domestic value addition. Companies must accurately grasp tax policies for proper tax planning.
Robert ChenYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Entrepot trade, with goods bypassing domestic customs territory, typically bears no domestic VAT obligation. But monitor policy changes for timely tax treatment adjustments.
David LiYears of service:6Customer Rating:5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
Generally, entrepot trade goods without domestic value addition are VAT-exempt. Maintain communication with tax authorities to ensure compliant handling.