Some antiques sold by British antique dealers are imported from EU countries. Since Brexit, importing has become more difficult due to the extra paperwork required. However, this difficulty is not expected to last.
The British Antique Dealers’ Association’s Director of Strategy and Operations, Kathryn Singer, recognises the disruption to the antiques trade, but she told the Guardian that she expects that, as shippers and dealers get used to the regulations, the trade will “return to normal”.
Before Brexit, any trader could visit an EU country, purchase antiques and freely bring them back to the UK with no additional costs. Since Brexit, second-hand goods purchased in Europe have to be declared at customs and import taxes may be charged. Documentation is required for each imported item.
Some dealers are apprehensive about importing antiques from Europe and believe that the regulations will badly affect their business. Singer disagrees and believes that, as shippers and dealers in the UK and the EU get used to filling in the required documents, they will continue selling antiques sourced from Europe. There are freight forwarders that will take care of the importation procedures for antique dealers.
The HMRC has a guide on the regulations on the gov.uk website.
It is not expected that Lancashire antique dealers will have a shortage of items to sell. If, for example, you are looking for a French ormolu mounted cabinet, you should find one at a Lancashire antique dealer. There’s no need to go to France and be faced with lengthy delays as customs officers check your import documentation.