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July 2025 Auction25.07.2025

UK vs EU Lot Guide

At Whisky Auctioneer, making our auctions accessible to customers worldwide is a top priority. With locations across the UK and Europe, we make it easy to ship and receive bottles to and from whisky lovers around the world.   

Our regional locations allow us to serve more people, build more connected shipping networks, and provide tailored support.

To help you navigate our auctions, each lot is marked with an icon indicating whether it’s being sold from the UK or the EU. 

This UK vs EU Lot Guide explains what those icons mean for you, depending on your location and delivery destination.  Please select the tab below that corresponds to your location and intended delivery destination.

United Kingdom

Lot sold from UK office

  • No VAT applicable to the hammer price.
  • However, UK VAT applies to all other fees and/or surcharges.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.

Lot sold from UK Office with VAT

  • UK VAT will be added at checkout, as this lot is being sold by a business.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.

Lot sold from EU office:

  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.
  • Please also ensure that you are aware of local UK rules which will apply on the import of items from the EU to UK. These may be subject to local taxes and import duties upon arrival, which are the responsibility of the customer.
EU

Lot sold from EU office

  • No VAT applicable to the hammer price.
  • An excise fee will apply under EU Directive 2020/262.
  • However, the Dutch duty rate applies to all other fees and/or surcharges, as the goods are processed through our EU operations in the Netherlands.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.

Lot sold from UK office

  • If your bottle remains in the UK (for example, in storage), 20% UK VAT will apply to the storage value.
  • If your bottle is shipped to an EU address, UK VAT will not apply.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.
  • Please also ensure that you are aware of local tax rules in your home country which will apply on the import of items from the UK. These may be subject to local taxes and import duties upon arrival, which are the responsibility of the customer.

Lot sold from UK office with VAT

  • If your bottle remains in the UK (for example, in storage), 20% UK VAT is  applied to the hammer price.
  • If your bottle is shipped to an EU address, UK VAT will not apply.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.
  • Please also ensure that you are aware of local tax rules in your home country which will apply on the import of items from the UK. These may be subject to local taxes and import duties upon arrival, which are the responsibility of the customer.
Rest of world

Lot sold from the UK office

  • If your bottle remains in the UK (for example, in storage), 20% UK VAT is applied to the storage value.
  • If your bottle is shipped outside of the UK, UK VAT will not apply.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.
  • Please also ensure that you are aware of local tax rules in your home country which will apply on the import of items from the UK. These may be subject to local taxes and import duties upon arrival, which are the responsibility of the customer.

Lot sold from the UK office + VAT

  • No VAT applicable to the hammer price.
  • However, UK VAT applies to all other fees and/or surcharges.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.
  • Please also ensure that you are aware of local tax rules in your home country which will apply on the import of items from the UK. These may be subject to local taxes and import duties upon arrival, which are the responsibility of the customer.

Lot sold from the EU office

  • No VAT applicable to the hammer price.
  • Local tax in your home country may apply.
  • Shipping charges apply as per our Shipping page.
  • Please also ensure that you are aware of local tax rules in your home country which will apply on the import of items from the EU. These may be subject to local taxes and import duties upon arrival, which are the responsibility of the customer.

Shipping and Fees

Before bidding, please refer to our shipping information and buyer fees and payment terms. Important information to check before bidding includes the delivery options and shipping costs for your country, as well as any country specific customs, duties or fees. 

Shipping
Buyer fees and payment terms

Our regional and international offices uphold our commitment to delivering the exceptional service our clients expect:

  • Access to a world-class selection of whisky
  • Dedicated, expert support for sellers
  • Local language assistance and professional advice
  • Reliable services tailored to international clients

This global network allows us to connect buyers and sellers worldwide, ensuring the broadest reach across the whisky community.

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Shipping Services

Find all of our important information related to global shipping and fees.
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Buyer Fees and Payment Terms

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Buyer's Guide

A step-by-step guide to buying whisky at auction with Whisky Auctioneer.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are based outside of the UK, you will only pay the 20% UK VAT if the bottle remains in the UK (this includes our storage facility in Perth).

If the bottle is to be shipped outside the UK, you will not pay the 20% UK VAT, however, local customs, duties and fees may apply depending on the location.

Perth Office Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Book Appointment for Perth Office

 

London Office Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Book Appointment for London Office (Bottle drop-offs only)

 

Utrecht Office Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm

Book Appointment for Utrecht Office

 

Whisky Auctioneer makes it easy for whisky enthusiasts and collectors worldwide to buy and sell whisky through our monthly online auctions.

For Sellers:

  • Our expert Client Service team provides free valuations and support on safely getting your bottles to our offices in Perth, Utrecht or London.
  • Once received, your bottles are authenticated, professionally photographed, and listed in the next available auction (or an auction of your choice).
  • After the auction closes, you’ll receive payment within 21 working days, with seller fees deducted from the final amount.

For Buyers:

  • Browse and bid on an exceptional selection of whisky from around the world.
  • If you win, you’ll be notified by email and have 72 hours to complete payment.
  • Choose to have your bottles shipped, stored, or collected. Buyer fees are applied at checkout.

 

Whether you’re selling rare vintages or looking for your next great bottle, our online auctions provide an effortless, trusted, and exciting way to buy and sell collectible whisky online.

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