VAT Guidelines (London and Berlin Sales)
We’re delighted that you’re interested in participating in our London or Berlin auctions. We know that Value Added Tax (VAT) can seem like a daunting topic, but we’re here to make it easier for you.
Below, you will find detailed advice on possible VAT scenarios for both UK and non-UK buyers (London sales) and both EU and non-EU buyers (Berlin sales). As always, we suggest consulting with your local tax authority for tailored advice.
| London | Berlin | |
| Margin Scheme (items with no symbol in the catalog) |
Hammer Price
All items sold without a symbol are sold under the Auctioneers’ Scheme and have no additional VAT charged on the hammer price. For items shipped by Tarisio outside the UK, there will be no UK VAT due. Buyer’s Premium Seller’s Premium Buyers from outside the UK should note that local import VAT, import duties, sales taxes and/or use taxes may be payable upon import of purchases. Please note that as of January 2021, this includes buyers from EU countries. Buyers should obtain advice from their local tax authority in this regard.
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Hammer Price
All items sold without a symbol are sold under the Margin Scheme and have no additional VAT charged on the hammer price. For items shipped by Tarisio outside the EU, there will be no EU VAT due. Buyer’s Premium An amount equivalent to VAT of 19% will be added to the amount of the buyer’s premium on all Margin Scheme items except those shipped by Tarisio to an address outside the EU (see Refunds of VAT below). Seller’s Premium An amount equivalent to VAT of 19% will be added to the amount of the seller’s premium on all Margin Scheme items except for those which are exported from the EU after the sale. Buyers from outside the EU should note that local import VAT, import duties, sales taxes and/or use taxes may be payable upon import of purchases. Please note that as of January 2021, this includes buyers from the UK. Buyers should obtain advice from their local tax authority in this regard. |
| Temporary Admissions (items marked ‡ or Ω in the catalog) |
These items are classed as temporary admissions and are sold under the Auctioneers’ Scheme. If a sold item remains in the UK, it is entered into “Home Use” and import VAT of 5% (for items over 100 years old, marked ‡ in the catalog) or 20% (items under 100 years old, marked Ω in the catalog) will be added to the hammer price. For non-antique instruments and bows, import duty of 2% will be charged on the hammer price. An administrative fee of £150 per lot will apply when entering them into Home Use. VAT-in-lieu of 20% will be charged on the buyer’s premium for all lots imported into “Home Use”.
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These items are classed as temporary admissions and are sold under the Margin Scheme. If a sold item remains in the EU, it is entered into “Home Use” and import VAT of 19% will be added to the hammer price. For antique lots (items over 100 years old, marked ‡ in the catalog), there is no duty due. For non-antique lots (items under 100 years old, marked Ω in the catalog), import duty of 3.2% for instruments and 2.7% for bows will also be charged on the hammer price. VAT-in-lieu of 19% will be charged on the buyer’s premium for all lots imported into “Home Use”. Administrative fees will apply when entering any lot into Home Use. Please enquire through info.berlin@tarisio.com for more information. |
Normal VAT rules (items marked † in the catalog) |
These items are sold under normal UK VAT rules and VAT of 20% will be added to the hammer price and the buyer’s premium. EU buyers (excludes UK) who are VAT registered and provide a valid VAT number will not be charged UK VAT. Note that items on which normal UK VAT has been applied may not resell under any Margin Scheme.
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These items are sold under normal German VAT rules and VAT of 19% will be added to the hammer price and the buyer’s premium. EU buyers from outside Germany who are VAT registered and provide a valid VAT number will not be charged EU VAT. Note that items on which normal EU VAT has been applied may not resell under any Margin Scheme.
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VAT Refunds |
VAT may be reclaimable in certain circumstances. The examples given below are for guidance only and professional advice should be sought where there is any uncertainty:
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How will the 2025 US tariffs affect purchases from Tarisio’s Berlin and London sales imported into the United States?
As of April 2025, a 10% baseline import tariff applies to all goods entering the US from Europe and the UK, including antiques. This charge is calculated based on the declared customs value of the item and there is no de minimis threshold, meaning the tariff applies to all purchases, regardless of value.
Like many in our field, we are monitoring the situation closely and remain hopeful that these changes may be reviewed or refined. At Tarisio, we are committed to keeping the process as smooth and transparent as possible. We’ll continue to keep you informed and are always here to help you navigate the implications of these changes. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@tarisio.com.