Import duty and false advertising

[kinel996]

I recently purchased an item that clearly stated it was dispatched from the UK, but on receipt of the tracking number (Royal Mail) it appears to have been sent from China, via the Netherlands and I have now been told I am due import duty before the item is delivered. This is basically false advertising and I would not have made the purchase if I had known. Royal Mail's basic tracking only said it was coming from the Netherlands, but the universal parcel tracking website (this was really useful) traced it back to China.

Does anyone know what options or rights I have? Does eBay protection cover this?

[papso22]

I think you need to speak to ebay about this.  What was the value?  Anything under £135 that comes from overseas is meant to be handled by ebay, anything over is meant to say import fees may apply when you buy it.

The difficulty is that refusing to pay import duties technically excludes you from the money back guarantee, but when the item location has been misrepresented (an ebay policy breach), you really should be covered.

[kinel996]

This kind of confirms what I've been able to find out search-wise. The item was £200, paid for by credit card so I could claim back that way I suppose.

Any idea how to get in touch with eBay direct? I've been through all the help and contact sections, but can't seem to find any way to get in touch with them direct.

[vintique*violet]

EBAY LINK FOR TELEPHONE CONTACT CALL BACK 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/eua?id=5275&mkevt=1&mkpid

 https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/eua?id=5275&mkevt=1&mkpid

Lines open between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays.

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Calling  early in the morning is best... 

[61stephenuk]

If the seller is registered overseas you will pay import VAT regardless of  the item being in the UK or sent from  overseas when purchased,for orders under £135 eBay collect VAT at checkout, over £135 you are charged generally before delivery plus the carriers handling fee

[sml192 · Accepted solution]

If the seller has misrepresented the item's location then you are covered under eBay's Money Back Guarantee if you decide to refuse to pay the customs charges:

The item was posted internationally and didn't clear customs because fees or duties weren't paid

Covered: The seller overstated the value of the item or misrepresented the item's location, which caused customs fees or duties to be higher Not covered: The buyer didn't pay applicable customs fees or duties for any other reason