VAT Registration
FiltersAll persons carrying out an economic activity on a regular and independent basis, and providing goods or services which are not fully exempt from VAT by law, must charge value added tax (VAT) and must therefore register for a unique VAT number. VAT is calculated on the tax base at a rate, which depends on the nature of the transition, which can be 6, 12 or 21%.
Special regulations apply for the Belgian diamond industry. According to Article 40 §1 and 42 §2 of the VAT-Legislation (Wetboek van de Belasting op Toegevoegdd Waarde) the following transactions with regard to diamonds are exempt VAT:
- Supply of unmounted diamonds to Belgian registered diamond traders(including diamond manufacturers) exclusively trading in unmounted diamonds
- Import of unmounted diamonds by Belgian registered diamond traders (including diamond manufacturers) exclusively trading in unmounted diamonds
- Services with regard to unmounted diamonds provided to Belgian registered diamond traders (including diamond manufacturers) exclusively trading in unmounted diamonds.
The export of goods – including diamonds – performed by (or for the account of) the trader (in this case the Belgian diamond trader) is always exempt VAT (art. 39 VAT-Legislation).
For more information please read the chapter on Tax and if necessary contact an accountant. You can find several suggestions in the list of contacts.