Why are eBay now charging VAT on postage when buying from the US

[glenswick]

I appreciate that eBay now have to charge VAT on the purchase price of an item bought from the US, but I object strongly to having to also pay VAT on whatever the seller charges for postage!  How can this possibly be correct, as there is no VAT on postage.  I recently received an invoice and it was not until I came to pay that I realised an additional 20% would be levied on the total price, ie, to include postage.  How can this be justified?

[papso22]

It's how the law on imports works, you calculate the import vat on the total paid by the importer, inlcuding postage.  It's nothing to do with ebay. 

[glenswick]

I realise this is the way imports work, as I have bought many things from the States over the years. However, it is only from 1 January that VAT has been charged on all items, not just those over £15, AND on postage, as was not the case previously. I do think that the total cost, including VAT, should be shown, before going to pay for the item.

[darthalba]

Because the Government are crooks and only interested in fleecing the poor and helping the rich

[rusticrye]

This is nothing new. VAT is calculated on the whole invoice total, including postage, and always has been. You can view full information on VAT and import taxes on the UK government's website for yourself if you wish.

@glenswick 

[glenswick]

Until 1st January there was no VAT to pay on postage. I am a collector and have had to pay VAT on my purchases from the US many times, but NOT on postage. I have read the information re VAT on the Government's website, but feel that eBay are being underhand in not giving the total cost in their listings, ie, to include VAT. The Global Shipping Program also does not include VAT when stating their fees on listings. If you purchase from a bricks and mortar shop, VAT is included in the asking price, and it should be no different online.