GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026

Import VAT deferment account guarantee

An import VAT deferment account guarantee must be lodged with customs before an importer may begin deferring VAT obligations.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 18 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.zoll.de/DE/Fachthemen/Einfuhr/Einfuhrumsatzsteuer/Einfuhrsteueraufschubkonto/Einfuhrsteueraufschubkonto.html

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

111

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

An import VAT deferment account guarantee must be lodged with customs before an importer may begin deferring VAT obligations. It comes into play at the moment the importer elects to postpone payment beyond the date of importation. The guarantee—most commonly a bank guarantee or an insurance bond—provides customs authorities with an unconditional assurance that the deferred amounts will be paid when due or can be called upon immediately in the event of default. The required guarantee amount is generally calibrated to the importer's expected monthly VAT liability. Unlike a surety bond, which involves a personal undertaking by a third party, a bank guarantee is typically an on-demand instrument payable without conditions.

Next steps

Matching tools and partners

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Check transport insuranceEstimate coverage and premiumOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Find a matching partnerFreight forwarders and logistics partners worldwideOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Import VAT deferment account suspension

When a customs authority suspends an import VAT deferment account, the importer immediately loses the right to defer payments – al…

Learn more

Import VAT deferment account reactivation

Reactivation of an import VAT deferment account is the formal administrative act by which a customs authority restores a suspended…

Learn more

Liability for import VAT deferral account

The liability arising from an import VAT deferral account makes the importer directly and personally responsible for all VAT oblig…

Learn more

VAT Deferment Approval

VAT deferment approval is the formal authorization issued by a tax or customs authority that entitles an importer or business to d…

Learn more

VAT Deferment Revocation

When a business fails to meet reporting obligations, provides insufficient financial security, or irregularities are discovered in…

Learn more

ZAZ account

The ZAZ account (customs account in the centralised settlement procedure of the Swiss customs administration) is an account held w…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.

Import VAT deferment account guarantee

Next steps

Related Terms

Import VAT deferment account suspension

Import VAT deferment account reactivation

Liability for import VAT deferral account

VAT Deferment Approval

VAT Deferment Revocation

ZAZ account

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers