Ministry of Finance decree on intra-Community supplies of goods

The Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) decree dated 9 October 2020, gives an interpretation of two of the four 'Quick Fixes' implemented in the German VAT Act in 2020, amending the VAT Application Guidelines accordingly. The decree covers the VAT ID number as a substantive requirement for zero-rating of intra-Community supplies of goods (including timely submission of correct and complete EC Sales Lists) and new documentary evidence for zero-rating. No guidance has so far been issued on the new provisions for chain transactions and the simplification for call-off stock.