UK and EU Customs Coordination
 

One of the biggest challenges for antiques dealers is managing formalities on both sides of the border. Red Kite Customs Clearance Ltd can coordinate the UK and EU stages of the movement, providing one point of contact for the information and customs documentation required. This helps reduce duplicated communication, missing paperwork and avoidable delays.
 

Our careful approach includes checking:
 

• Commercial or pro forma invoices

• Accurate descriptions of each item

• Values and currencies

• Age and country of origin

• Commodity codes

• Supporting evidence and certificates

• The reason for the movement

• The proposed customs procedure
   

If information appears incomplete or inconsistent, we will raise it wherever possible before the declaration is submitted.
 

Qualifying Antiques and 5% UK Import VAT
 

Certain works of art, collectors’ items and antiques imported into the UK may qualify for a reduced import valuation, resulting in an effective import VAT rate of 5% rather than the standard 20% rate. This treatment is not automatic: the goods must meet the relevant definition and be correctly classified and declared.
 

For an item to be classified as an antique under commodity heading 9706, it will generally need to be more than 100 years old. Evidence of its age, description, value and provenance may therefore be required. Other works of art and collectors’ items can fall under different headings within Chapter 97.
 

We review the available information and help ensure the appropriate commodity code and VAT treatment are considered before the UK import declaration is submitted.

CITES Permits and Protected Materials
 

Some antiques contain materials protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and may require additional documentation before they can legally cross international borders.
 

This can apply to items containing materials such as:
 

• Certain species of mahogany

• Brazilian rosewood

• Ivory

• Tortoiseshell

• Coral

• Other endangered animal or plant products
   

Where applicable, import or export may require a CITES permit or certificate. Failure to obtain the correct documentation can result in delays, seizures or penalties. We can help identify whether CITES controls apply to your antiques and guide you through the requirements before shipment.
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