VAT on Australian items?

daro2096
Conversationalist

‎05-04-2026 8:52 AM

Can I assume that if there is no mention of VAT on an item that the bid price doesn't contain VAT and that if import an item customs will charge me import VAT?

 

There is no option to pay customs fees upfront that I can see.

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papso22
Experienced Mentor

‎05-04-2026 8:56 AM

Ebay has some useful guidance on imports.

 

Basically, you will pay VAT at some point, and duty if over a certain value.

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daro2096
Conversationalist
In response to papso22

‎05-04-2026 8:58 AM

Am asking because if the item is in the US vat is already added at checkout to the bid/buy it now price(they only give you the option to pay the import duty). Can't see that for an item based in Australia.

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papso22
Experienced Mentor
In response to daro2096

‎05-04-2026 9:00 AM

It depends on how it's being sent.  There are different options for sellers with different consequences for buyers.

 

There is no one answer.

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daro2096
Conversationalist
In response to papso22

‎05-04-2026 9:06 AM

Does it matter how the item would be sent? Standard international airmail I think. I haven't bought the item. I don't fancy receiving a bill for £120 VAT(anyway the item should be VAT free but I don't trust UK customs to get it right) bill.

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papso22
Experienced Mentor
In response to daro2096

‎05-04-2026 9:11 AM

I meant whether the seller deals with the shipping themselves or uses one of Ebay's partners to handle it, e.g Global Shipping. 

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daro2096
Conversationalist
In response to papso22

‎05-04-2026 9:12 AM

Oh, I see.

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style_wise
Conversationalist

‎05-04-2026 9:13 AM

It is the Buyer's job to know the duties, fees and taxes that are due (not the Seller's or the Marketplace's). For general purchases going to the UK this usually includes 20% VAT, plus duty if the value goes above £135, and approx £12 fee from the courier if they have to collect duties/taxes.

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daro2096
Conversationalist
In response to style_wise

‎05-04-2026 10:17 AM

Yeah, I know. I be charged customs if I bought the item even though the item is zero VAT rated under the Secondary Margin Scheme.

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