Import duty

[chunk1]

I bought an item from Germany and have been contacted to say there is a charge of £30.33 import vat plus £12 handling fee, the item I bought was £101.38 including delivery!

Over 40% added costs doesn’t sound right to me? Or is it??

[fargvs]

 Even if item is in the UK , if either the Buyer or Seller is using/or has initially had an account that was  registered outside the UK site ,  then an additional 20% Import VAT and any additional delivery fee is charged --- any Customs duty due is charged on items priced at/above £135 for UK delivery.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/buying/paying-items/paying-tax-ebay-purchases?id=4771&st=12&pos=3&query=...

[john1297576]

While from the figures you have given I cannot agree the amount of VAT, the information given in the other answer is correct.

Possible the value on the customs declaration has been misread.