GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

Guarantee for import VAT deferral account

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Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.zoll.de/DE/Fachthemen/Steuern/Zoll/Einfuhrsteueraufschubkonto.html

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Definition & Explanation

Freight forwarders and importers obtain a guarantee bond—typically issued by a bank or insurance company—to secure an import VAT deferral account, enabling postponement of import VAT and customs duties otherwise due at entry. The guarantor undertakes, in favour of customs, to meet the importer's obligations should the importer fail to pay. In a strict legal sense, a surety bond differs from an on-demand bank guarantee: under a surety arrangement, the creditor must generally first exhaust remedies against the principal debtor before calling on the guarantor. In customs practice, however, the two terms are often used interchangeably, and the precise liability conditions are governed by the individual security agreement.

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import VAT deferral account control

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Guarantee for import VAT deferral account

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Related Terms

Import VAT deferment account suspension

Import VAT deferment account reactivation

import VAT deferral account sanction

Overdrawn Import VAT Deferral Account

Use of the import VAT deferral account

import VAT deferral account control

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