Hana is right. Here is the full form etc.
The rules are that YOU have to fill in a form, a declaration that you are claiming the exemption because you are Diabetic. The Chemist SHOULD know the rules.......SHOULD ? They SHOULD also have the required forms for you to fill in ? That is all that is required - you do not need any exemption card etc.
Any problems you can quote this information from the HMCE instructions to retailers on their website.
We recommend that you obtain a written declaration from each customer claiming entitlement to VAT relief. Such a declaration should contain sufficient information to demonstrate that a customer fulfils all the criteria for eligibility. The declaration should be separate, or clearly distinguishable from, any order form or invoice against which the goods or services are supplied. A customer signing an order should not automatically be signing a declaration of eligibility for VAT relief.
There is a suggested declaration form at Section 10 that may be copied or otherwise reproduced by you or the customer.
HERE IS THE FORM.
10.1 Eligibility declaration by a disabled person
Please note there are penalties for making false declarations
Customer
If you are in any doubt as to whether you are eligible to receive goods or services zero-rated for VAT you should consult Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people or contact our National Advice Service on 0845 010 9000 before signing the declaration.
I (full name) ..............................................................................
of (address) ..............................................................................
..................................................................................................
declare that:
I am chronically sick or have a disabling condition by reason of: (give full and specific description of your condition); and that
I am receiving from: (name and address of supplier)
* the following goods which are being supplied to me for domestic or my personal use:
(description of goods)
* the following services to adapt goods to suit my condition:
(description of services and goods)
* the following services of installation, repair or maintenance of goods:
(description of services and goods)
* the following alterations to my private residence:
(description of alteration)
* the services of monitoring a personal alarm call system
and I claim relief from value added tax.
................................................................................ (Signature)
........................................................................................ (Date)
Supplier
I (full name) ..................................................................................
of (address) ..................................................................................
......................................................................................................
am supplying to the person named above:
* the following goods:
(description of goods)
* the following services of adapting goods:
(description of services and goods)
* the following services of installation, repair or maintenance of goods:
(description of services and goods)
* the following alterations to a private residence:
(description of alteration)
* the services of monitoring a personal alarm call system
for the personal use of the disabled person.
................................................................................ (Signature)
........................................................................................ (Date)
*Delete words not applicable
Note
You should keep this declaration for production to your VAT officer. The production of this declaration does not automatically justify the zero-rating of the supply. You must ensure that the goods and services you are supplying qualify for zero-rating.
Copy and paste this form OR here is a link to a downloadable form on our own website.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/vat-exemption.html
). When I mentioned VAT, I was told I had to pay it. Exit with test strips and red face 