Ebay purchases from abroad- duty to pay?

Hi
I am contemplating buying luxury goods in Ebay say from the US or Japan?
Does anyone know how much tax/duty one would owe for a purchase which arrivs by post? Is it a percentage of the value?

Does this apply to purchases from the UK?

Thanks

Sunster said:

Hi
I am contemplating buying luxury goods in Ebay say from the US or Japan?
Does anyone know how much tax/duty one would owe for a purchase which arrivs by post? Is it a percentage of the value?

Does this apply to purchases from the UK?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Depends on the goods (different rates apply)....

It is a %

Does not apply to anything from within the EU

Looking to get a new watch.

Only last week I took a package from the postman for my son. It contained clothing which I think he ordered on Ebay from USA.The value was around Euro 160 and the postman asked for payment of 58.99.
Son not best pleased-the first time he has been caught and he thinks he can have a debate with Customs etc-I have told him to forget it -waste of time.
Most goods bought outside the EU are liable for Duty and Vat.
Duty is calculated on the toatal landed cost ie. Value+Carriage+ Insurance (if any).At what % depends on what the item is-ring C&E im sure they will tell u.
Then Vat is calculated on that figure.
In my experience they tend to ignore small low value items-but if it is stopped u wont get it unless u pay up.