Shipping/Customs charges. Aaaaarrrgh!

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pip
2nd hand stuff still is liable for VAT+Custom charges.

"Most goods arriving in the UK from outside the EU are liable to any or all of the following taxes:
```
* customs duty
* excise duty
* import VAT
```
and must be paid whether:
```
* you purchase the goods or receive them as a gift
* the goods are new or used (including antiques)
* the goods are for your private use or for sale."
```
See here:
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_ShowContent&id=HMCE_CL_000014&propertyType=document#P58_4585

I always thought 2nd hand stuff was exempt, but HM Revenue & Customs seems to think otherwise. Might be worth asking anyway though, esp as they've obviously got to set a price for the goods to be able to charge tax on them.

I do hate this system and I do hate that the Royal Mail stings you for a lot of money 'to collect the tax due'; ParcelForce's charge are even more expensive. Wouldn't mind a small charge but I can't see how they can really justify their current charges.

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