Repatriation and VAT

[repat]

Hello,
I'll be moving back to the UK after working abroad for four years. I am shipping most of my things by sea. My question is will I be liable for VAT when I clear my belongings through customs. Theres nothing relly new and half of my things originate and were bought in the UK.
Can anyone direct me as to where I cana find out the rules, or better still shed some light on whats likely to happen.
For example. I bought a used saxophone in Japan. Its insurance price is about 1500 pounds, though I got it for much less. Will I have to paay VAT on this?

[paultaylor@vatease.c]

You should not be liable to VAT on the majority of your possessions when you enter the UK.

The rules are quite complex. I recommend reading HM C&E's public notice which is available on their website here:

http://www.hmce.gov.uk/forms/notices/3.htm

Regards

Paul Taylor
VATease
0121 778 4299
http://www.vatease.co.uk/