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This might clarify a few points for people, as there is a lot of speculation.
I received a package this morning. Value $59, I paid £15.55
This was the info with the package:
From that, I interpret it as you pay:
VAT only on merchandise £15 and up
VAT only on personal gifts £40 and up (that one is new to me)
VAT + duty on all items £135 and up
VAT in UK is 20%, Duty is 4% (???)
Also note that:
Whenever payment is due, Royal mail or Parcel Force will charge you an extra £8 "handling fee" on top
All calculations may be based on cost/value plus shipping charges
Some categories are duty exempt (e.g. computers?)
Some items are VAT exempt (as with normal VAT sales, childrens clothes, books, some food etc???)
If the seller does put "gift" and you actually paid, it would technically be a felony. It would be rare to be caught, but if for example the sender put an ebay invoice in with the package and customs found it, then there could be trouble.
If either seller or recipient address is a business, they may interpret this as a not a personal gift.
More info
I received a package this morning. Value $59, I paid £15.55
This was the info with the package:
- Customs charges are applied to imports into the EU with a value over £15 for VAT.
- All items valued over £135 will attract import duty.
- Imported gifts valued over £40 sent between private individuals will also attract VAT.
From that, I interpret it as you pay:
VAT only on merchandise £15 and up
VAT only on personal gifts £40 and up (that one is new to me)
VAT + duty on all items £135 and up
VAT in UK is 20%, Duty is 4% (???)
Also note that:
Whenever payment is due, Royal mail or Parcel Force will charge you an extra £8 "handling fee" on top
All calculations may be based on cost/value plus shipping charges
Some categories are duty exempt (e.g. computers?)
Some items are VAT exempt (as with normal VAT sales, childrens clothes, books, some food etc???)
If the seller does put "gift" and you actually paid, it would technically be a felony. It would be rare to be caught, but if for example the sender put an ebay invoice in with the package and customs found it, then there could be trouble.
If either seller or recipient address is a business, they may interpret this as a not a personal gift.
More info