Tackling intra-Community VAT fraud: More action needed

Every year, the European Union loses billions of its VAT revenues through the activities of organised crime. Because exports of goods and services from one EU Member State to another are exempt from VAT, criminals can fraudulently evade VAT in the Member State of destination. The result is lost revenue for the countries concerned as well as for the EU. This report examines how well the EU is tackling intra-Community VAT fraud. We found weaknesses which indicate that the current system is not effective enough. These weaknesses need to be addressed. It is time to be tough and take more decisive action.