charged vat from china??

custardy

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

the reason £8 is disgusting is that royal mail, part of the same company as parcelforce, do it for £4

here in 2011 it is £8
in 2000 where you appear to be,its £4

Haffiana

Actually that's an interesting point Custardy. As I recall it has been £8 for a very, very long time now - I would expect it to have gone up in line with inflation by now.

Also, remember that postage charges are included for the purposes of VAT - if you are importing an item calculate the VAT as £20% of the total paid, not just the item price. It adds up...

shaun_from_Africa

Also, remember that postage charges are included for the purposes of VAT

But only when the value of the item itself is above the £18 limit.
If an item costs £17 and there is £20 P&P then there is no VAT due, but if the item costs 18.01 and the P&P is £20, then VAT will be charged on £38.01.

martindow

£8 seems something of a bargain compared with some carriers who charge around £15.

Eton_Rifle

shaun_from_Africa wrote: »

VAT is payable on goods over £18 in value when imported from outside of the EU, but as the current VAT rate is 20%, you should only have been charged £6.60 + the £8 clearance and handling fee.

+ customs duty which varies according to the imported item.

The total charge is customs duty + vat + handling fee.

custardy

Eton_Rifle wrote: »

+ customs duty which varies according to the imported item.

The total charge is customs duty + vat + handling fee.

and is only applicable over a certain value

shaun_from_Africa

Eton_Rifle wrote: »

+ customs duty which varies according to the imported item.

The total charge is customs duty + vat + handling fee.

But as I've already mentioned. Import duty isn't a consideration in the case in question as it only applies to shipments in excess of £135.
The OPs item only cost them £33 and was wrongly declared at about £66