Canada to UK items not displaying VAT - then adding it after commiting to pay

[ms246810]

I recently sent and offer and commited to buy and item from Canada, shipped to the UK. The offer screen made no mention of VAT, and added it on at checkout without disclosing what the additional cost is. You can tell it is VAT as it has added 20%, the UK VAT rate. Buying from the US, this has been displayed, but it was not displayed when buying from Canadian sellers in CAD. 

Offer screen showing CAD 220 price

Checkout screen after commiting to buy - Item has unexpectedly jumped 20% and there is no detail specifying the VAT cost:

When commiting to buy this is a problem as I had to request a cancellation due to ebay adding unexpected and undisclosed charges to my order.

[plpmr]

As the total [£169.20] is above the import duty limit eBay won't take VAT as when the item arrives if UK you should be charged import duty.

[ms246810]

Okay, can you explain why the price went up at checkout then? 

[sml192]

All international purchases will have VAT added to the listing price, plus Import Duty if applicable.

If the item is being sent via the Global Shipping Program then VAT and Duty will be collected upfront at checkout.  If the item is being sent via the newer Ebay International Shipping program then the buyer can choose whether to pay the VAT and Duty upfront or have it deferred to pay on import. 

[ms246810]

Then why was it only added at checkout and why was it not disclosed as VAT on the checkout page? I have seen VAT listed on the checkout page when buying from the US

Even if "working as intended" this is not a very transparent way of handling VAT. 

My first screenshot was removed by a moderate due to it having a sellers name in it. I'll re-add it. 

[ms246810]

Offer screen:

Checkout screen with no mention of VAT, plus the inflated price:

VAT  disclosed on other listings: