Is VAT added on books being imported from abroad? My understanding was not?

does anyone know??

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Permalink Reply by Findbooks on May 24, 2024 at 8:47am

Books are zero-rated for VAT in the UK, Michelle, which means you do not pay any tax on your purchase from abroad. There is a tax but the rate is "0".

However, if the value of your purchase (including shipping fees on top) exceeds £135 then you are theoretically liable for Import Duty.

Because books are zero-rated for VAT, HMRC do not appear to have been demanding import duty for books/printed material. Since Brexit I have not actually imported anything into the UK over that £135 limit, however, so cannot speak from personal experience about that.

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Permalink Reply by michelle on May 24, 2024 at 9:01am

Thanks, its from an auction house if I get it that is being less than helpful but it will be more than £135 Thanks

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Permalink Reply by LeChuck on May 25, 2024 at 7:42am

I have imported books over the £135 threshold many times into the UK and have never been charged any import fees. I'm almost certain that they are rated 0 for VAT as well as import duty. I even had an encounter in which fed ex (I think it was them) tried to charge tax on the import and I contacted them about the error and they just delivered the books and removed the charge.