Boots Opticians has confirmed it will absorb any additional costs from contact lenses supplied from the Channel Islands following the closure of a VAT loophole in the region.
The UK government has decided to remove low value consignment relief (LVCR) for goods imported from the islands, including contact lenses, from April next year (18.11.11).
A Boots Opticians spokesperson said: 'We continuously review changes in local market conditions including the proposed changes to the low value consignment relief. A small number of our contact lens supplies will be affected by these changes and any additional costs will be absorbed by Boots Opticians. This will not affect the amount our customers currently pay for their contact lenses.'
The spokesperson added that there were no plans to halt distribution from the Channel Islands.
A thriving fulfilment industry for low-value goods has developed in the region, but under the changes these goods will be subject to full UK VAT.