Tax on imported goods which was made in England

BartyBoy

Hi all!

Once again, I am not sure if this is the right section to ask my questions. If not, please pardon me…

I am planning to buy some Wedgwood items from a seller who is based in US. The items are pottery and were made in England originally.

The first question, the seller told me pottery is classified as duty free item, is that correct?

Secondly, these Wedgwood items were produced in England originally, then shipped to US some years ago. When the items were first shipped to US, I believe whoever bought them already paid VAT for the items. And now I am bringing the items back to England, will I also need to pay VAT on them?

Many thanks in advance!

nikki1520

Pottery and ceramics are covered in chapter 69 of the uk trade tariff. Duty rates range between 3-12% depending g on exactly what the item is and what it is made from

Www.gov.uk/trade-tariff allows you to look up the duty rates of your goods.

In addition, unless you can prove the goods had free circulation status on export, they will be subject to VAT on their return to the uk. You will also have to pay a clearance charge to the shipper of between £8-15 for them to make the customs declaration for you, unless you arrange to clear them yourself.

This of course all assumes that the goods are of a value which will attract VAT and duty- you can also look these limits up on the above website