I bought an item from a private EU seller and ebay charged VAT can/how do I claim it back?

[ojobson]

I bought an item for £57 plus £15 shipping from EU from a private seller selling some second hand electronics.

Ebay charged UK VAT on my purchase (because otherwise it will get caught up at customs, I think?)

So.. can I claim the VAT back? If so, how do I do that?

[tobiasd4 · Accepted solution]

Doesn't make any difference if item is old/new or business/privates seller, 20% VAT now has to be collected for all imported items.

[ojobson · Accepted solution]

B*lls. Thanks for replying.