Unexpected 5% VAT

[harbinger_07]

Hello,

I placed an offer of £120 on an item that's listed for £125.50. The seller (UK-based) accepted the offer. In the end, instead of £120 + shipping as I expected I was charged for £119.12 (for item) + £6.09 (VAT) + shipping.
Do you know why I had to pay this VAT and why it wasn't shown on the listing in the first place?

There is another available so I was able to grab screenshots for my order and the one currently available.

If you put the item on your cart, the price suddenly becomes £130.81. No mention of VAT anywhere until you buy it. Is this normal or an error?

This is the item if you want to check before the 2nd one is sold: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/157572504076

Thanks in advance.

[tobiasd4 · Accepted solution]

Seller is in Jersey, so as the buyer you are importing to mainland UK, which means VAT is payable. 

CI's although part of UK is still classed as independent country.

[harbinger_07]

That explains it. It would be much simpler if on the checkout page eBay gave us a breakdown but now I know at least.

Many thanks for clearing things up for me.