Express international postage from Europe to UK customs etc.

[jonnyfriendly]

I am thinking of buying an item from Europe under the offered Express international postage.

Can someone tell me whether any UK Vat or other duties is covered by this service. I don't want an unwanted shock at this end. It a secondhand camera body.

Thanks in advance

[davrman]

It depends on the value of the item you're buying. If it's under €150 (£135) then eBay should add the VAT at checkout and there's nothing extra to pay. If it's over that amount then you'll be expected to pay the VAT (20%), any Import Duty (variable percentage) and almost certainly a carrier's handling fee (£8+, variable).

You can check by clicking on the "See details" link under Postage on the listing. Then scroll down and it should say "Price displayed includes VAT" for less expensive items. If it doesn't, assume you'll be clobbered for the lot. Royal Mail will ask you to pay the charges before delivery, but some couriers will invoice you afterwards.

All the above assumes two things. First, that the seller uses the correct labelling and electronic notifications, and second that eBay's systems will work properly...

[jonnyfriendly · Accepted solution]

Thanks davrman - i had a feeling that this was the case