Antiques to EU from UK VAT rate?

[thesilversquirrel]

When I sell provable Antiques over 100 years old to the EU ebay UK charges 20 percent VAT to the buyer (say in Germany), however countries such as German have a reduced import rate of 5 percent for Antiques. Can my buyer claim the over payment back? If so how?

[thesilversquirrel]

Sorry 19 percent was charged, i.e ebay UK appears to be collecting the full German VAT amount (for the German authorities) rather than the reduced 5 percent amount amount (antiques) - so surely the buyer can claim the overpayment back from the German Tax authorities when the item and paper work arrives?

[tommystrezures]

The 19% is iOSs under distant selling rules it’s applicable.

the reduced amount for antiques I believe is actually 7%.

[papso22]

Perhaps your buyer could ask on the German ebay community site?

[thesilversquirrel]

I have looked at it from this this side, i'e importing antiques with 20 percent VAT on top into the UK, HMRC state overpayment can be claimed back if you have documents to prove an items age so I figure it works the other way, so as many countries have lower rates for second and goods and antiques buyers should be able to claim the extra VAT back.... I'll add a note to my listings.