Do you have to declare antiques?

Your antiques will be free of duty and tax if: they are your own property. they are not for sale or other commercial use. their value (together with that of other goods) is within the duty and tax free allowances.

Are antiques exempt from capital gains tax?

You also don't need to pay CGT on so-called 'wasting assets'. These are items such as mechanical devices – for example, vehicles or antique watches and clocks – that are deemed to have a lifespan of 50 years or less, which means their value should decrease over time.

What is the 100 year rule for antiques?

The 100-year rule traditionally defines antiques as items over 100 years old. However, modern collecting often includes items from the mid-20th century, with 'vintage' typically referring to items 20-100 years old. Investment value depends more on quality and rarity than strict age requirements.

Do you have to declare personal items at customs?

For Customs purposes, clothing, jewelry, photography equipment, portable radios, and vehicles are considered personal effects and cannot be brought in duty-free as household effects. However, duty is usually waived on personal effects more than one year of age. All vehicles are dutiable.

Are antiques exempt from US tariffs?

As of late August 2025: Antiques remain duty-free, provided they're clearly identified and supported by proper documentation. Vintage goods now face unavoidable tariffs, and all shipments—large or small—require formal customs entry.

How to Research the Value of your Vintage or Antique Items

Do you pay import duty on antiques?

Imports of works of art, antiques and collectors' items are taxed on a reduced value at importation, giving an effective VAT rate of 5 per cent, see How to value goods for import VAT.

Can you bring antiques into US?

For U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) purposes, an antique must be over 100 years of age at the time of importation. Antiques classified under Chapter 9706 in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) are duty-free, provided the importer has proof of the goods age (i.e. the year of manufacture).

What things should you declare at customs?

Do you ever have anything to declare when you go through customs?

Merchandise and Gifts: All goods you bought overseas (souvenirs, clothing, electronics, artwork, etc.), whether for yourself or as gifts, must be declared. Even if you won't owe duty (because you're within the duty-free allowance), you still need to list these items on your customs declaration.

Do you have to pay customs on personal belongings?

Normally you'll have to pay import duty then claim it back from HMRC if you're entitled to it, e.g on your own belongings which you've previously paid vat on.

What qualifies something as an antique?

An antique (from Latin antiquus 'old, ancient') is an item perceived as having value because of its aesthetic or historical significance, and often defined as at least 100 years old (or some other limit), although the term is often used loosely to describe any object that is old.

Are antiques worth keeping?

Well-preserved antiques often appreciate in value over time. Rare and high-quality pieces, in particular, can become valuable assets. While not every antique will yield a high return, careful selection and maintenance can make them worthwhile investments.

Is 50 years old an antique or vintage?

If we're thinking about identifying vintage furniture from an age point of view, many experts would say vintage counts as anything made from 50 years ago to 100 years ago.

Do I have to pay tax on selling my possessions?

If you are selling personal belongings, such as second-hand clothes, furniture, or electronics, for less than you originally paid, you usually don't need to pay tax. These are considered personal possessions, and there's no profit to tax.

Are antiques subject to inheritance tax?

When children or civil partners inherit art and antiques, they may face inheritance tax depending on the total value of the estate. If the estate surpasses the tax-free threshold, beneficiaries can owe up to 40% tax on the amount over this limit. It's vital to accurately assess the value of the inherited assets.

What can you sell without paying taxes?

What About Selling Personal Items? If you're selling personal items occasionally, such as clothes, books, or furniture you no longer need, you generally don't need to pay tax on the money you make. This is only true if the items were used and you're not regularly purchasing items specifically to resell.

Are antiques exempt from duty?

Apart from import VAT there are no tariff duties on works of art, collectors' items and antiques when imported into the UK (or the EU), irrespective of their country of origin.

How to declare items at customs?

All travelers must complete a CBP Declaration Form 6059B itemizing all purchased merchandise and agricultural products. Here are your options: Complete a paper form that may be obtained at the port of entry or on the flight or cruise. Complete the online form at a Global Entry kiosk.

Can you fly with antiques?

Valuable or fragile items include anything checked in paper or plastic bags, or cardboard boxes, as well as items made of paper and those considered irreplaceable. All of these items are subject to our fragile items policy. This includes the following: Antiques, artifacts and heirlooms.

What items are exempt from customs charges?

For items containing goods with a value over £135 and gifts over £39, customs charges will continue to be applied on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Royal Mail will collect these directly from the recipient prior to delivery. Letters, postcards and documents are usually exempt.

Do you pay tax on second-hand goods?

The business owner or owners are generally liable to pay income tax on the profits earned by the second-hand clothing business.

What items are exempt from import duty?

Does customs check every item?

The short answer is yes. Customs checks all inbound international packages and mail.

How much before I have to pay customs?

You will not have to pay anything to the delivery company to receive goods worth less than £135 unless they're gifts over £39 or excise goods (for example, alcohol and tobacco).

Do you have to pay tax on items bought abroad?

When you buy goods online from overseas as a consumer, you may find that you have to pay additional charges and taxes, on top of the cost of the goods. Typically, you may have to pay value added tax (VAT) and customs duty.