HQ UKSC is pleased to announce the introduction of the pilot scheme allowing Veterans to shop in NAAFI retail outlets with effect from Monday 2 August 2010.

The introduction of the 2009 Forces Customs Law enables Veterans in receipt of a Veterans BFG Installation Access Pass (VIAP) to shop in NAAFI facilities and outlets in Germany.  This new arrangement will allow VIAP holders, through an application process, to purchase non-rationed items for which they will be required to pay the German Customs tax and duty.

How to Apply

The Veteran must be in possession of a British Veteran BFG Installation Access Pass (VIAP).  Details of how to apply for a VIAP can be found at http://www.bfgnet.de/BFGVets.html

Once in possession of a VIAP, the Veteran should obtain a copy of the Authorisation for Shopping Card Form 5201A which can be downloaded from here or hardcopies are available from all HIVEs.

The Veteran completes the Authorisation Form and sends it to HQ UKSC Customs and Imigration (C&I) along with a stamped, self addressed envelope.  The address of where to send the application is detailed on the form.

THE USE OF THE BFPO SYSTEM IS NOT ALLOWED FOR SENDING APPLICATION FORMS TO C&I.  YOU MUST USE THE GERMAN POSTAL SYSTEM FOR SENDING THE APPLICATION TO C&I AND FOR YOUR STAMPED, SELF ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.  ANYONE USING THE BFPO SYSTEM WILL HAVE THEIR APPLICATION AUTOMATICALLY REJECTED.

C&I will then issue an Authorisation Pass (Form 5201B) to enable the Veteran to register with the German Customs Authorities (Zollamt), which is valid for 1 year.  The Authorisation Pass will then be sent back to the Veteran in the provided stamped, self address envelope.

Once in receipt of the Authorisation Pass, the Veteran then has to visit their local Zollamt (Stadt Customs Office) with their VIAP, Authorisation Pass (Form 5201B) and Passport or Auswies to complete Application Form 0126.  Veterans must use the Zollamt that covers the area where they reside.

The local Zollamt will issue the Veteran an “Authorisation of an Entitled Person” Form and Form 0217 “Pink” Card (which may or may not be pink but is referred to as the Pink Card by the German Authorities) which is valid for 1 year.

Once in possession of a VIAP and a Pink Card (From 0217) the Veteran is then able to shop in the NAAFI for non-rationed items only.

Renewal Process for VIAP Holders Who Wish to Shop in NAAFI Retail Outlets

On the 2nd August 2010, HQ UKSC announced the introduction of a pilot scheme which allowed VIAP holders living in Germany to shop in NAAFI facilities and retail outlets. Since then, more than 400 Veterans have taken the opportunity and are now in possession of their 'Pink Card'.

For further info in renewal of 'Pink Card' please click here.

How to Shop

When purchasing goods, the Veteran must show their VIAP (this is in line with the 100% ID card check for all personnel entitled to use the NAAFI) and produce their Pink Card at the till prior to the sale.  Veterans who are purchasing goods for immediate consumption only need not show their Pink Card as this existing concession will continue.  The will need to show their VIAP.  A list of items for immediate consumption will now be clearly displayed at all NAAFI check outs

On completion of the sale, NAAFI staff will:

Enter the details of the till receipt of the total value of the purchase on the Veterans Sales Sheets (held and retained by NAAFI), which is subject to audit by C&I and the German Authorities if required.

Enter details of any individual purchases of €250 or more on the back of the Veterans Pink Card.

Provide the Veteran with their receipt.  The Veteran is reminded that they must ensure that they receive a copy of their receipt.

After Shopping/Paying the Duty/Tax

If a Veteran has purchased goods of any amount, they must report to their local Zollamt (where they obtained their Pink Card) by the 5th working day of the following month to present all their receipts and their Pink Card.  If no purchase has taken place there is no requirement to go to the Customs Office.

The local Stadt Customs Office will levy a flat rate of tax/duty for all items purchased.  This is currently set (but is subject to change) at 17.5% for goods that cost less than the €50 per item.  For purchases of single items with a sales price of €50 or more, the German Customs will apply a tax of rate of 19% plus an additional customs tariff for the item.

The Veteran is free to continue shopping whilst their permit is still valid.  Further purchases must be presented to the local Stadt Customs Offices as detailed above.

Additional Information

When the permit expires, the Veteran can reapply for another permit following the process detailed above.

Veterans are not required to visit their local Zollamt if No purchases have taken place.

If at the expiry of the Pink Cards validity (1 year) no purchases have been made, the Veteran is required to write to their local Zollamt stating this fact and confirming that they are content to have their Pink Card inspected by C&I and the German Authorities.  If no purchases have been made during the validity of the Pink Card, a Veteran is still entitled to apply for another one through C&I.

If a violation has taken place i.e. a Veteran has purchased rationed items, the Zollamt will confiscate the Pink Card for a period of 6 months.  Should a further violation occur the Pink Card will be withdrawn permanently.  German Customs will notify C&I in any event.

Veterans with or without the Pink Card, who are in possession of a VIAP,  are still able to purchase goods for immediate consumption and a list of items for immediate consumption will now be clearly displayed at all NAAFI check outs.  Veterans must show their VIAP in line with the 100% ID card check for all personnel entitled to use the NAAFI.

Veterans are reminded that the process, Pink Card and tax/duty levy for shopping in the NAAFI is the same as that used by US Veterans, resident in Germany, for shopping in the US Military facilities.

FAQs

Q.    How long does the process take to obtain the Pink Card?
As the pilot scheme allowing Veterans to shop in the NAAFI has just been launched it is difficult to establish how long the process will take.  HQ UKSC Customs and Immigration (C&I) will endeavour to process application forms as quickly as possible and the issue of the Pink Card is dependant on individual Zollamt rulings although it is anticipated that it can be issued on the day.  Please note; as the pilot has just been launched, some teething problems may occur.  If a Veteran experiences any difficulties they should, in the first instance, address them with their local Zollamt or the NAAFI Manager (dependant on where the problem occurs) before contacting this HQ.  If a Veteran experiences difficulties that can not be overcome, they should contact the Veterans Initiative giving full details of the problem encountered and measures taken thus far to resolve the issue.

Q.    I am a widow/er and have a VIAP, can I shop in the NAAFI?
Yes you can.  Wherever the term “Veteran” is used, widows/ers with VIAPs are included.

Q.    What am I allowed to purchase in the NAAFI?
All Veterans, in receipt of a VIAP and Pink Card can purchase any non-rationed item for sale in NAAFI retail outlets.  Veterans are not allowed to purchase rationed items.  Veterans with or without the Pink Card, who are in possession of a VIAP, are still able to purchase goods for immediate consumption.

Q.    What are rationed items?
Rationed items are coffee, Gin, Whisky and tobacco products.

Q.    Why are Veterans not able to purchase rationed items?
This concession has not been extended to Veterans by the German Authorities.  To purchase any rationed item is a violation of the Pink Card which will be revoked.

Q.    Will I need to produce my Pink Card when buying goods for immediate consumption on the premises?
Providing you have a VIAP, you can still purchase goods for immediate consumption without using your Pink Card and therefore you do not need to keep your receipt for immediate consumption items.  Please note that these items MUST be purchased separately if you are also intending to shop in the NAAFI for non-rationed items on the same visit.

Q.    I do not have a Pink Card; can I still shop in the NAAFI?
Providing you are in possession of a VIAP, you can shop in the NAAFI for goods for immediate consumption only.

Q.    What goods are classed as “immediate consumption”?
In NAAFI retail outlets, you may only purchase a maximum of 5 items from the products for immediate consumption list; the following only are classed as immediate consumption items:

You are still able to dine in NAAFI dining facilities such as the café’s and JB’s      

Q.    Why do purchases of €250 or more have to be recorded on the Pink Card?
This is a measure requested by the German Authorities to highlight any potential misuse of the card.  There are no extra tax implications (at present) for items recorded on the Pink Card.

Q.    Why do I have to pay tax/duty?
The Forces Custom Law has been changed to recognise Veterans as being entitled to use facilities of the Force.  However retired members (Veterans) are not covered by the SOFA and Supplementary Agreements and therefore the tax free concession is not authorised by the German Authorities.  Veterans are reminded that the process, Pink Card and tax/duty levy for shopping in the NAAFI is the same as that used by US Veterans, resident in Germany, for shopping in the US Military facilities.

Q.    What if I am not given a receipt?
The NAAFI staff should always issue you a till receipt however it is recognised that sometimes mistakes are made.  It is the Veterans responsibility to ensure that they receive a till receipt when purchasing goods from the NAAFI, regardless of the amount (less goods for immediate consumption purchased separately).

Q.    The process seems very complicated, can it be made simpler?
The agreement by the German Government to allow Veterans to shop in the NAAFI is bound by very complex agreements including both German and British tax and duty rulings.  Therefore the process cannot be changed.  Veterans are reminded that the process, Pink Card and tax/duty levy for shopping in the NAAFI is the same as that used by US Veterans, resident in Germany, for shopping in the US Military facilities

Q.    What if I do not produce all my receipts to the Zollamt/is this system open to misuse?
This HQ trusts the integrity of the Veteran to comply with the conditions of use of the Pink Card.  Both C&I and the German Authorities can audit the relevant documentation at any time to ensure that there is no misuse.  If any violations take place, the Pink Card will be removed for a period of 6 months and permanently if further misuse occurs.

Q.    What if I cannot get to my local Zollamt (Stadt Customs Office) by the 5th working day of the following month?
If you are aware that you cannot meet this commitment, you must speak with your local office regarding alternative arrangements.  All matters relating to tax and the Zollamt are the Veterans responsibility.

Q.    Do I have to report to the Zollamt if I did not purchase anything from the NAAFI the previous month?
No, you will not have to - Veterans only have to report to the Zollamt if they purchased non-rationed items from the NAAFI, the previous month.

Q.    How do I find my local Zollamt?
Your local Stadt will be able to provide you with the details.  Alternatively you can use your internet Search Engine e.g. “Zollamt Gutersloh” to find your nearest office and opening times.

Q.    What happens when my Pink Card expires?
When the permit expires, the Veteran can reapply for another permit following the process detailed above.  Applications to C&I can be made one month prior to the expiry of the Pink Card.

Veterans BFGnet updated 27 July 2010