E Ink screens and VAT relief

[Cathyan]

Does anyone know if we can get VAT relief when buying an E Ink device if we are sensitive to the UV of normal screens? I can’t afford the E Ink monitor from Dasung, but am considering buying a Boox Max 3 tablet, which can be used as a secondary monitor. It’s very pricey but VAT relief might make it possible for me.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Cathyan ,

Have you tried contacting any suppliers to ask them? They may request a medical exemption certificate I believe?

[Cathyan in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thanks for replying Paul. Unfortunately the devices come from China and any queries about VAT from European countries all seem to be told the same thing - that the cost and VAT calculations won't be varied. Basically communication is poor. My LowBlueLights.com screen from the US for my MacBook seems to be really making a difference though so I'm now hoping I can manage without an e Ink monitor.

[FabledPilgrim]

I know I'm a bit late to this thread but I was just researching this very topic and found the answer on the gov.uk website:

"What HMRC means by ‘designed solely for disabled people’

This means that the original intention of the product’s designer was to produce an appliance or equipment solely to meet the needs of people with one or more disability.

You cannot buy goods that are designed for use by disabled and non-disabled people alike VAT-free. Goods that are bought to be used by or that are mainly bought by disabled people cannot be bought without VAT unless they’re designed solely for use by disabled people.

For example, general purpose equipment such as an air conditioning device, a reclining chair or an orthopaedic bed might benefit a disabled person but cannot be bought VAT-free because they’re not designed solely for use by a disabled person.

Who decides if something is ‘designed solely for disabled people’

Your retailer or other supplier is responsible for charging the correct amount of VAT on anything they sell. They should check with the manufacturer that the goods have been designed solely for use by disabled people before agreeing to sell any goods VAT-free.

Computer equipment

Computer equipment that’s been designed solely for use by disabled people can be bought without VAT.

General use computer equipment including laptops, tablets and e-Readers can only be bought VAT-free if they’re sold as part of an assistive technology package, with certain applications that may assist disabled people such as voice recognition."

Hope that helps.

[Cathyan in reply to FabledPilgrim]

Thanks FabledPilgrim. Yes I also found that in the end and dug around charity websites but found nothing to suggest anyone in the UK ran any package set ups such as you suggested above, at least not with eInk monitors. I also joined 3 different eInk forums and no one had heard of a way to avoid the VAT