When goods are released for free circulations (import) import duties and VAT at import become due. In principle, import duties and VAT at import must be paid at the moment the import declaration is submitted. However, Slovenia has finally(from 01.07.2016) implemented a so-called import VAT deferral scheme. Under this system the payment of VAT at import is postponed from the moment of submitting the import declaration until submitting the next periodic VAT return. The import VAT payable reported in the VAT return can in principle be deducted as input tax in the same VAT return. So on balance no import VAT is actually paid. This can results in a cash flow and interest benefit!
Application of the deferral scheme requires a special registration with the tax authorities. Foreign companies, however, can register for postponed VAT accounting at import if they appoint a jointly liable fiscal representative.