Glass bought in Murano on holiday

Hi, I recently purchased some Murano glass whilst on holiday and the factory said they would ship and insure it. It arrived a couple of weeks ago, but today I received a bill from FedEx for 20% VAT. It’s for my personal use (a vase and a bowl) and I only had it shipped as I didn’t want to break it by carrying it back on the plane. Thanks for any advice!

Hi There is no relief from VAT on goods imported from overseas It does not matter whether it is a private import or not. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-a-fast-parcel-operator-to-import-and-export Unfortunately you personal travellers allowance of goods up to £390 only apply if you carry the goods yourself. https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use The VAT you are charged at import is to make it equivalent to as if you purchased something from a shop in the UK.

Hi,

Anything posted or couriered to you from another country goes through customs to check it is not banned or restricted and you pay the right tax and ‘duty’ on it.
This includes anything new or used that you buy online, buy abroad and send back to the UK or receive as a gift.
Please see below link for more information.

Tax and customs for goods sent from abroad

Thank you.