The Author of the Article
To keep in mind
- Slovakia introduced a postponed accounting system for import VAT (2025-2026), allowing businesses to defer payment.
- Applicable to all taxable persons registered for VAT in Slovakia.
- Import VAT is declared and deducted on the same VAT return, improving cash flow and reducing administrative burden.
- Businesses must meet certain conditions and submit an application to be authorized to use the system.
- Once authorized, businesses must comply with formalities, including declaring import VAT on periodic VAT returns and keeping records of imports.
- The system simplifies the VAT compliance process and improves cash flow for businesses.
VAT due when submitting an import declaration...
Companies importing goods in Slovakia should in principle pay VAT directly when submitting a Customs import declaration. It implies a pre-financing of taxes since VAT is paid at the customs but can only be deducted at a later stage in the VAT return.
...unless an alternative form of payment is applicable
That is the reason why Slovakia has established, like many European countries, a reverse charge mechanism in the VAT return enabling to avoid this VAT pre-financing (the VAT due is paid and deducted in the same VAT return).
This regime is called “postponed accounting system for import VAT”. With this regime, the payment of the VAT at import is then shifted to the periodic VAT return. This means that you do not have to pre-finance VAT at customs when goods are imported.
What are the conditions to apply the postponed accounting system in Slovakia
In contrast to other countries (e.g. Belgium), the process is automatic provided two conditions are met:
- Entrepreneur must be a registered for VAT in Slovakia and
- Must have a valid permission in Slovakia granting the status of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) according to customs regulations.
Failure to fulfill the reverse charge obligation may result in a penalty of up to 1.3% of the import VAT by the SK VAT authority.
Pay attention to
This regulation will initially apply to resident VAT payers (July 2025) and extend to foreign VAT payers registered for VAT from January 2026.
The VAT expert's eye
Managing the cash flow of your company is a key issue. Despite the principle of VAT neutrality, cash-flow inconvenience derived from the VAT system is a major concern and is perceived as having a significant financial impact. However, Slovakia offers procedures whereby said cash flow inconvenience can be mitigated or avoided.
Companies importing goods from a Third Country into Slovakia must pay attention to the following issues:
- Check whether or not the importation can be VAT exempt (bonded warehouse, VAT warehouse, tax warehouse, importation of goods followed by a subsequent intra-EU supply etc.);
- If no VAT exemption is applicable, proceed with the Slovakian VAT registration;
- Check the conditions to apply the postponed accounting or deferred payment of import VAT in Slovakia.