In the context of VAT changes, Brexit, opportunistic delivery companies etc., I'm trying to calculate how much I might have to pay on an item bought on ebay (by me, in the UK) where the seller is outside the UK and EU? As such, my understanding is that on *any* items I'm now liable for VAT (fair enough, if it finds it's way to the Treasury I can live with that - I'm less happy if it's being skimmed off by anyone else) of 20%, and, if the item costs more than £135 (before VAT is added, and excluding the postal charges I pay the seller at checkout), customs duty also (I've no idea how much the rates are for that). AND there's also a charge from the delivery company for processing/checking the customs duty (which can vary depending on which delivery company is being used - fedex seem to be the most expensive)? However, if the item costs less than £135, is all I have to pay the VAT? Or am I still liable for the delivery company charge/s to 'check' the customs paperwork is in order? So, by way of hypothetical example; if I buy an item for £80 from, say, a country in South America, and £30 postal charges, at checkout I'm going to be charged £80 + 20% = £96, plus £30 postal charges, equals £126.00. Is this it? Or is the VAT also charged on the £30 postal charges (either by ebay, or by the delivery company once it reaches the UK), or am I additionally going to have to pay the delivery company in the UK to 'release' the item (as, looking on moneysaving expert, that seems to be what's happened to other buyers - particularly when using fedex, who seem the most ruthless of these companies)? Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere on these boards, but I couldn't see an obvious answer going by the thread titles. Thanks to anyone that can enlighten me.
... View more
