Shipping and returns information

If you have shipping alternatives, would like multiple invoices, or have any other queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

SHIPPING

Importer regulations, taxes & customs fees

EU BUYERS:

EU IMPORTER LICENCING REGULATIONS:

From 28 June 2025, importers of a wide range of cultural goods into the EU, including antiquities, will be required to follow new licensing regulation procedures. These new procedural and legal obligations rest with the importer, whether private or business. Please understand fully these requirements before considering buying.

TimesAncient cannot help or advise with completing these procedures, other than by providing any existing paperwork relating to items for sale.

If, after due and careful consideration, you still wish to purchase an item, please contact us directly.

More information can be found by web searching Regulation EU 2019/880.

IMPORT VAT:

Since 1 January 2021, EU buyers may be required to pay import VAT, and sometimes a customs processing fee. These amounts vary by country and carrier. Antiquities usually incur a lower percentage VAT rate.

REST OF THE WORLD:

Import taxes and customs clearance fees vary, and these costs will have to be covered by the buyer.

Shipping costs

Shipping costs will automatically be added to the cart, and reflect a combination of value, weight, destination country and carrier used. The Shipping Group for each item is shown in the description.

Antiquities are precious, and we send all items with insurance and tracking where possible, which is also reflected in the shipping cost.

Orders to the UK are usually sent Royal Mail Special Delivery. Orders to the USA are usually sent by express courier. Orders to other countries are usually sent by courier, but might be sent by Royal Mail.

Sending fragile items in the post is naturally a cause for concern, and we arrange the packing and dispatch of all items with extreme care.

All items for sale are listed with their Shipping Group in the description.

Below is a table of Shipping Group costs.

When more than one item is ordered, the highest rate will apply overall.

* Books are usually sent by Royal Mail. Contact us if you prefer to pay extra for a courier service.

EU buyers - see information above about EU importer licencing regulations

RETURNS

An item found to be unsatisfactory may be returned to TimesAncient for a full refund within 14 days of receipt, provided it is returned in the same condition as sent.

The Buyer will bear responsibility for return shipping costs, safe packing and insurance.

Uninsured items are sent at the Buyer's risk only. TimesAncient cannot be held responsible for items lost in the post. It is the responsibility of the Buyer to choose an appropriate level of insurance at the point of placing an order. TimesAncient will however provide reasonable assistance with pursuing any claim with the relevant postal service.

TimesAncient guarantees all items to be authentic and to comply with the description provided in relation to broad age and culture. Upon satisfactory evidence from a recognised authority, an item found not to comply with this guarantee of authenticity can be returned to TimesAncient by the Buyer for a full refund including return shipping costs.