VAT on Second-hand Goods within EU

June 8, 2017 3:41 PM

I am interesting in buying a second hand electric guitar from Italy to be imported into the UK. I will be buying from a private seller, who has already paid Italy's VAT rate of 22%. Will I be expected to pay on top of the price of the guitar and shipping, UK's VAT rate? What would be the best way to minimise the cost of importing the guitar?
posted by ashaw to Shopping (2 answers total)

Theoretically, while the UK is still in the EU, there's shouldn't be any tax or import duties for goods exchanging hands as long as they stay in EU.

Practically, it would be a good idea to contact your local tax authority and get a definitive answer.
posted by gakiko at 12:46 AM on June 9, 2017

See Ebay's "VAT rules for buyers": "If the seller is a private individual selling their own used property in the EU or UK then no VAT is payable."
posted by richb at 6:40 AM on June 9, 2017