When you buy from a VAT-registered dealer in the EU, the invoice often contains that country's VAT (for example 19 % in Germany). Because you pay Swiss import VAT of 8.1 % on arrival, the EU VAT can be relieved for an export – but only by the seller and only under conditions.
What it depends on
- The seller must agree to sell VAT-free for export or to refund the VAT later.
- The export must be proven, usually with the export declaration confirmed by the EU customs office when leaving the EU.
- Private sellers do not charge VAT, so there is nothing to refund.
How Import Pilot shows it
The refund is always shown as a conditional saving and is never subtracted from the known total. Clarify with the seller before you pay.