Shipping collectable items from Australia for sale at auction

We are wanting to ship some sporting memorabilia, from Australia (rugby programs), to the UK to sell at auction as they are more saleable there. We are trying to find out if we will need to pay duty and VAT on the collection. We are not a business but are simply wanting to sell this private collection through a UK based auction house.

Hi,
Anything posted or couriered from another country goes through customs to check it is not banned or restricted and you pay the right tax and duty on it. You can see guidance here:
Tax and customs for goods sent from abroad
Thank you.

Hi You may find the auction house will provide you with some assistance. There are customs schemes for goods being imported for auction sale or return. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-can-get-import-duty-relief-on-goods-using-temporary-admission. If charges are due they apply equally to both businesses and private importers.

Hi, First scenario, if the goods are entered into temporary admission procedure, duty is suspended temporary and you would most likely have to pay VAT on deposit. This is to cover customs charges incase the goods are sold. If the goods are not sold and re exported within the time limit, you get your deposit back. Either way,there will be a charge before collection. Second scenario, if the goods are entered into home use regime, Australia has FTA with the UK so you don't pay any duty(proof of origin is required). If your item qualifies as a collectible,you get reduced VAT at 5% instead of 20%.