Charged VAT on US Mint Apollo 11 $5 gold coin

[bri]

I'm new here and hope I'm not creating a problem by calling this a new topic. I have today (April 30th) received an Apollo 11 gold $5 coin from the US (at about £300 cheaper than at Harrington and Byrne's quoted price). I had looked up VAT rules and thought the EU/UK did not charge VAT on gold currency. But UPS have charged me £65.51 "Import Vat" om behalf of HMRC and £11.50 "Brokerage Charges" (whatever they are). Is this a correct charge? (the coin came through East Midlands Airport. Thanks in advance for any information or advice!

[Fathallazf]

Not a coin but I bought a gold chain from the USA worth 300 something dollars and DHL charged me £68 tax. 

[bri]

OK, but I thought currency was different to jewellery or commemorative "coins" which are not currency. Having said that, I'm new to all this and perhaps I just don't understand these criteria. Thanks for replying.

[Fathallazf]

I honestly do not have an idea of what is considered what when it comes to taxation. I just thought id share my “similar” experience. However, I am sure that someone in here will be able to answer your question in more details .  

[sixgun]

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/investment-gold-coins-and-vat-notice-70121a#sect3

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/680666/Table_1_-_The_European_Commission_List.pdf

The European Commission publish annually a list of gold coins which must be treated as investment gold coins in all EU member states. The list has legal force and supplements the law.

i see $5 gold coins from the US are on this list. VAT is not charged on these coins.

[Clens92]

You should be able to claim the VAT back, albeit I'll warn you that HMRC drag their feet and demand all kinds of proof.  You won't get the handling fee back.

[bri]

sixgun and Clens92, thank you both very much for replying. I have tried to find out how to claim VAT back, but everything I have found from HMRC is both puzzling AND appears to apply to business people (which I'm not 😵.

[sovereignsteve]

1 hour ago, Clens92 said:

You should be able to claim the VAT back, albeit I'll warn you that HMRC drag their feet and demand all kinds of proof.  You won't get the handling fee back.

Does this just apply to couriers like UPS?

I've claimed back incorrectly charged VAT delivered by the RM a couple of times and received the handling fee as well.

[lightjaw]

I bought one of these too, but from EMK in Germany exactly because of this issue. Been stung before when buying from the USA. Better not to risk it imo. 

Sorry to hear about your experience.

[AppleZippoandMetronome]

1 hour ago, bri said:

sixgun and Clens92, thank you both very much for replying. I have tried to find out how to claim VAT back, but everything I have found from HMRC is both puzzling AND appears to apply to business people (which I'm not 😵.

I used form BOR286 a few times to claim back overcharged VAT and Duty from HMRC. That form seems to say it is specifically for items delivered by Royal Mail or Parcel Force but there must be something similar for others. Might be worth getting in touch with HMRC unless someone here knows the correct form or procedure for claiming back overcharged VAT and Duty from carriers other than Royal Mail or Parcel Force.

[Fivepoundfred]

I would try contacting UPS and explain they have taken VAT which was not due and ask them to email you a investment gold declaration form , maybe they will refund you ?

I have purchased a few coins from the US mint who shipped with UPS, as soon as i had the tracking number i contacted them and asked for the above mentioned form and once returned to them they delivered no problem without charging the VAT.

I doubt if you will get the handling fee back.

I have done the above process with Fedex a couple of times and they have refunded the VAT.

[bri]

AppleZippoandMe and Fivepoundfred,  thank you both VERY much. I now have a path to follow. Will let everyone know what follows!  😊

[medgasguy]

I am not sure how VAT works as far as receiving gold coins in the U.S. from foreign countries but I don't think I was charged anything like that on my last purchase from the Royal Mint. My last order from them was the 2019 matt finish sovereign and the 2019 proof silver Britannia and I just got charged the converted amount from British pounds to dollars and a "foreign exchange rate adjustment fee" according to my bank statement.