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?

[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.