Calling all international customers - import taxes?

[HPFlashman]

I'm not sure how that bit works, as there isn't any info on the packages to show whether VAT has been applied or not? 

I was probably a bit unclear in my initial statment, its the shopping cart solution that probably deducts the VAT for non-EU countries or some such stuff. This brings the Army deal down to £21ish, and at the current exchange rate, its a hair under the Norwegian VAT line. 

[Leon]

I was probably a bit unclear in my initial statment, its the shopping cart solution that probably deducts the VAT for non-EU countries or some such stuff. This brings the Army deal down to £21ish, and at the current exchange rate, its a hair under the Norwegian VAT line. 

Do you have to show the order to the post office then, because there's nothing on the package to show how much it's worth, or whether VAT has been applied?  How do they know the value of the package?

[HPFlashman]

As from Pendraken, I dont know yet as the one Sudan army I ordered yesterday was my first order, but if they think the shipment contains goods, eligible for VAT and not declared by the seller or suspiciously declared, I will get a summon to the Customs house that have an attached mail office and have to show proof of value for the shipment and based on the value, either pony up or just pick up the package.  

[Leon]

As from Pendraken, I dont know yet as the one Sudan army I ordered yesterday was my first order, but if they think the shipment contains goods, eligible for VAT and not declared by the seller or suspiciously declared, I will get a summon to the Customs house that have an attached mail office and have to show proof of value for the shipment and based on the value, either pony up or just pick up the package.  

We don't get many orders from Norway, so I've just had a check, and there'll be a Customs label on the package with the value on it, so no worries there.

[Orcs]

Its not paying the VAT I object too its the additional  £8 the Post Office charge to collect the vat, regarddless of how little VAT is being paid

[Leon]

Its not paying the VAT I object too its the additional  £8 the Post Office charge to collect the vat, regarddless of how little VAT is being paid

That bugs me as well, especially when I'm regularly bringing things into the UK.  I've asked them why it can't be done on account, with the items just being scanned and added to my bill, without the need for handling fees and all that nonsense, but they don't seem to have an answer. 

It's especially daft when you consider that any business is completely responsible for declaring their own VAT, thousands of £'s a quarter, but they can't do import VAT any other way than paying at the desk. 

I had to pay out £100+ yesterday to collect my decal restock, so this one's fresh in the rant queue!

[HPFlashman]

I agree with that notion, Justafew.
We get to pay the equivalent to  between £12 and 17 in handling fees, even if the VAT for a small order would be substantial less than the handling bit.  

Very nice its not...