Since the UK left the EU on January 1st 2021, there are some things to bear in mind when items cross the EU - UK border.

Now that the UK has left the EU, taxes on goods going between the UK and EU apply.

Before Brexit, when someone bought a second-hand item from a private seller in another member state, no VAT or duties were charged. 

Now that the UK is no longer part of the EU, import VAT and customs duties are applied to second-hand items going between the UK and the EU. 

What is Import VAT?

Import VAT is a fixed government tax on items being imported into a country.  

Good to know: Import VAT is calculated on the total value of the item, including any shipping and handling costs.

 What are Customs Duties?

Customs duties are a type of tax applied to goods being imported into a country. These duties will vary according to:

• The type of item being imported
• The country the item is being imported into

This means that any customs duties will be specific to each individual order placed.

Between UK and the EU, both Import VAT and Duties will be due.  

I’m in the UK and I want to buy an item in the UK

• You can still shop with Direct Shipping, our most affordable and sustainable shipping option, on all items in the UK under €1000 (or GBP currency equivalent).  
• You can still choose to have your item authenticated at the payment stage if you like, nothing will change here.
• There should be no change to delivery times within the UK.

I’m in the UK and I want to buy an item in the EU

• Direct Shipping is available between the UK and the EU. All applicable fees and duties will appear automatically at checkout. This will include a 20% import VAT on the item’s price, and any applicable duties and handling fees.
• You can still choose to have your item authenticated at the payment stage if you like.
• There should be no change to delivery times from the EU to the UK. However, there may be unforeseen circumstances that mean that your item may take slightly longer to arrive.
• You will not need to pay any additional fees after checkout to receive your parcel. In some rare cases, the carrier may contact you for additional information, for example to re-confirm your address.

Good to know: If your item crosses an international border, whether to undergo checks or as part of delivery, a €6 handling fee will be applied or your currency equivalent. This fee will be automatically included at checkout under ‘Import Duties and Taxes’.

I’m in the EU and I want to buy an item in the UK

• Direct Shipping is available between the UK and the EU. All applicable fees and duties will appear automatically at checkout. This will include import VAT on the item’s price, and any applicable duties and handling fees. 
• You can still choose to have your item authenticated at the payment stage if you like.
• You will not need to pay any additional fees after checkout to receive your parcel. In some rare cases, the carrier may contact you for additional information, for example to re-confirm your address.

Please note that certain items now cannot be sent between the UK and EU, including exotic leathers and sunglasses.

Good to know: If your item crosses an international border, whether to undergo checks or as part of delivery, a €6 handling fee will be applied or your currency equivalent. This fee will be automatically included at checkout under ‘Import Duties and Taxes’.

Below you'll find the VAT rates that will be applied by each country to second-hand items being imported into that country.

Other countries within Europe but not in the EU already charge import VAT, e.g. Switzerland and Norway. These taxes remain the same.

Good to know: Any applicable VAT will appear automatically at checkout under ‘Import Duties and Taxes’.