VAT on antiques from the USA

Question

I just bought an antique pottery item from the USA for $468.78 and was charged 20% VAT.As the item was made c.1850 I thought the VAT would be 5%.Is this correct, and what can I do about it ?

*vyolla* · Answer

If you scroll down to the section called 'Request a VAT refund' you'll see a link to a webform there:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/paying-items/paying-tax-ebay-purchases?id=4771&from=EBAY_AI&origin=EBAY_AI#section5

john1297576 · Answer

You will have to take this up with a human at ebay. AI cannot identify antiques or have variable rates of VAT