BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

From the UKGSER’s site -

We call on the Government to scrap VAT on life-saving air vests which are currently subject to 20% VAT rate. Other lifesaving equipment, like helmets, are either zero or lower rated. Motorcyclists have one of the highest fatality rates per passenger mile of any road user, and with many good quality air vests costing in excess of £400, we believe making these cheaper by scrapping VAT will save many lives and prevent serious injuries."

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/644555?

Fully agree with you and will sign the petition. The reason VAT is applicable is that they are not classed as mandatory safety [PPE] clothing. We are lucky in respect of this that the VAT exemption is across the board on helmets as other PPE it's only applied to the basic items in a range eg: the cheapest model of say safety glasses.
Personally I wouldn't have an airbag vest for 2 reasons, 1] too fat, 2] I'd keep forgetting to unclip the ripcord

I'd also like to see this happen but there are three other complications.

1. VAT is already applied to motorcycle jackets so why would the Government give an exemption to a non mandatory accessory?

2. As it stands there isn't a recognised safety standard for air vest. This means they can't be classed as PPE and therefore no chance of an exception.

2. Life jackets; A device that has save more lives than any air vest ever has or ever will do are subject to VAT (except for children's ones). If the Government won't give VAT exception to something that's mandatory safety equipment on commercial vessels and highly recommended elsewhere, again you've go no chance for what is an optional extra.