Import Tax

[iansterling]

What tax and vat do we pay when importing gold and silver coins from USA?

[EDDIE51]

Looks surprisingly complicated
http://forums.silverseek.com/showthread.php?9132-UK-Clarity-on-Import-Taxes-of-Silver-or-Maybe-Not

[mia_swan]

Most bullion in Europe is subject to VAT, which varies based on your country of origin. This rate is 20% in the United Kingdom and 23% in Ireland. The exception is gold bullion, which is VAT-free in the UK, Ireland, and the rest of the European Union. Therefore, none of our gold bars or coins are subject to an additional VAT charge.

Because investment gold is exempt, investors believe other precious metals such as silver, platinum, and palladium are also VAT-free. This page explains why gold bullion is VAT-free while silver, platinum, and palladium are not.