China’s State Taxation Administration announced new mandatory VAT registration rules effective 1 January 2026, requiring businesses with annual taxable sales above RMB 5 million to register as general VAT taxpayers. The announcement introduces retroactive compliance, mandatory registration for specific sectors, and automatic reclassification for late registrants, increasing compliance risk for businesses near the threshold.

The European Commission’s ViDA strategy outlines a phased reform of VAT systems across the EU, introducing real‑time digital reporting, mandatory e‑invoicing, and platform‑economy rules. Key milestones include legislative clarifications (2025‑2027), platform rules for accommodation and transport (2028), mandatory e‑invoicing for intra‑EU B2B (2030), and full harmonisation of digital reporting (2035). The reforms aim to save businesses €51 billion and reduce fraud by up to €11 billion annually.

A UK court upheld HMRC's decision to reject a private healthcare company's late VAT appeal, confirming that the company must meet strict conditions to challenge the assessments and the £1.3 million penalty. The ruling reinforces HMRC's authority to enforce timely appeals and the penalties for late submissions.

The article discusses the CJEU Advocate General’s opinion in the Stellantis Portugal case, clarifying that transfer pricing adjustments agreed between parties may affect VAT taxable amounts, while unilateral tax authority adjustments do not. It distinguishes between separate services and contractual price adjustments, noting that a change in taxable amount does not constitute a separate supply of services. The final judgment is pending, expected before summer 2026, giving businesses time to assess implications.

China’s Ministry of Finance announced the cancellation of VAT export rebates for photovoltaic glass products effective 1 April 2026, which is expected to give a short‑term boost to soda ash prices. Battery product rebates will be phased out during 2026 and fully eliminated by 2027. The policy, declared on 9 January 2026, is part of a broader effort to curb excess inventory in the soda ash market.