• Travellers going outside the EU spending £6 or more will see savings 
  • Decision follows last year’s revelations over VAT savings retained by retailers
  • Travellers must have their boarding pass scanned

WHSmith has pledged to pass on savings to some non-EU-bound travellers at its airport branches following last year’s revelations over VAT.

The retailer’s customers who are flying beyond Europe will get a discount on items costing £6 or more. However shoppers must agree to have their boarding pass scanned.

The discount will not apply to items such as books and newspapers, which are not subject to VAT.

A WHSmith spokesman said: “Following customer research, focus groups and an in-store trial, WHSmith has introduced a new approach to the VAT relief concession at UK airports in time for the peak summer season.”

The move comes after revelations last summer that WHSmith was among retailers that was failing to pass on savings to customers on products that are VAT-exempt for people travelling outside the EU. Boots and Dixons were also embroiled in the scandal.

The controversy prompted the government to launch a review into the practice. Then Chancellor George Osborne branded the practice “unacceptable”.

However the government review is understood to have been delayed following Brexit and is now likely to report in the autumn.

Topics