Austria has the new mechanism to enable member states to change reporting and VAT obligations at short notice were brought into place. This instrument allows member states to gain consent from the European Commission within 30 days to apply the VAT contrary charge mechanism.
Austria needs pursued approval for the introduction of the reverse charge on a range of goods which are susceptible to fraud by criminal gangs including: The general supply of gas and electricity; Supply of valuable and other treasured metals; and Provision of laptops, tablets and games consoles.
Where VAT fraud is committed it is often done by abusing the system in respect of the supply of small, high value goods. These measures will come into effect on 1 January 2014.
