HMRC's A to Z names book marks, and on their own that is the end of it: a printed bookmark is a small piece of card kept and used, not read. What 5.1 adds is worth knowing if you print for publishers. Minor accessories supplied with a zero-rated item, and HMRC names dust covers, clasps, book marks, slip cases and presentation cases, are usually regarded as forming part of the zero-rated item. So a ribbon or card marker bound into a book goes at the book's rate, while the same bookmark ordered as a promotional giveaway is standard-rated.
What decides it?
Whether it is supplied with the book as part of it, or on its own.
Where does this come from?
HMRC VAT Notice 701/10, paragraph 5.1, HMRC's guidance on zero rating books and printed matter. See the notices we work from.
Some real jobs
2,000 printed bookmarks for a shop to hand out20%
Book marks are listed as standard-rated.
A bookmark supplied inside a zero-rated book0%
5.1 treats minor accessories supplied with a zero-rated item as part of it.
