Buying pre-owned overseas

[LordGrover]

Probably a silly question; when buying a used watch from USA for example, is import duty and/or VAT still due?
I'd assume it is as it would be an obvious loophole for nefarious ne'er-do-wells.

[LordGrover]

Thanks all.

Hmmm. 20% VAT makes a difference. Many of the 'savings' buying abroad would be swallowed up.
I guess stick to UK/EU where possible.