Export/Import

Personally I wouldn't bring them........I'd feel unsafe having them here in Spain.  I moved my antique glass back to my UK place for just this reason.

@Blancas Blogger  Thank BB. Do you have trouble getting your glass through customs?  Or was this before Brexit?

WW

@WILKESWORLD

Welcome to the Forum, and good luck with your potential move!

If you're attached to your trove of ASCTs, and want to take them with you, then I doubt there are any major obstacles. It entirely depends on how strongly you feel about taking them with you.

I don't know how much ASCTs are worth, or how many you have. If it's a big collection worth 10s of thousands, then perhaps you'd get better sale prices in the UK, and save yourself the cost and aggravation of moving it (and storing it securely) in Spain.

As the UK is a non-EU country now, imports are, as you suggest, subject to import duties and VAT. However, my guess is that you could do a ToR (Transfer of Residence) and get exemption for personal effects (that you've owned more than 6 months). It's a formal process, so there's a bit of paperwork involved. It would be worth investigating to check your collection is covered, and what kind of documentation you'd need (as you probably only kept the ASCTs rather than the receipts).

@WILKESWORLD

When I brought them in I let the removal company bring them. They were classed as personal belongings. When I took them back I drove them through, as personal belongings. As I understood the rules at the time, as long as you can prove ownership for a period of time prior to transporting them, then they are not an import and therefore not due to tax on that basis. The rules may have changed now, but we are talking pre Brexit and 10 years apart.

Good luck.

@gwynj

@Blancas Blogger

HANKS FOR GETTING BACK.

Looking at this from all angles, I think (as I have reached the age when I am not really attached to anything physical) so, in retrospect, I will dispose of them here and not attempt to take them with me.

It seems it is not a complicated process to import as personal effects (albeit the paperwork is a nightmare). I may have to prove value, which could be difficult as I have had them for many years. I have heard stories of customs taking the goods to have them appraised by "their people."

I'm getting too old for all that, so I think I will pass.

It seems a shame that when it comes down to the wire, Spain has the opportunity to absorb antiques over 200 years old into its country and all the cultural advantages that come with that, but regulations got in the way.

Thanks for your advice.