VAT charges.....

[andrewthomas197]

Got some parts today from the good old USofA, well had to go and colect 'em, I had a note through the letterbox telling me that I owe money before they can deliver the package  .
I bought a SECONDHAND sprocket and stem and was charged VAT by our wonderful Customs people, is this right, surely I should'nt pay VAT on used good? 
If they were trying to sting me for import tax etc. I could understand but VAT?
Any ideas or has this happened to anyone else?
Thanks in anticipation,
Andrew

[CD17]

This government will try to hit you at every turn 

But I would question it, it normally comes to about 10%

Is it Parcelforce 

[Frosty]

unfortunately they don't care if the goods are used or not if they are being imported from outside the EU!!

[andrewthomas197]

Bloody con.........
Phoned 'em this morning and they said just that, you pay VAT on anything over a value of £18.
So lets get this right you pay VAT when its new, and then every time it's subsequently sold  . Good work if you can get it......

[Frosty]

The issue is that it has been imported from outside the EU, so would not have suffered vat previously, even if it is 20 + years old!!

[andrewthomas197]

CON........

[stuntmaster]

yep you pay vat on used item as outside eu as i had vat on the van i bought as from south africa  even tho it was made in germany 

[brass monkey!]

been stung a few times myself,

I usually get stuff sent as a 'GIFT' or below the threshold in value,

I recently got stung for £11 (£3 VAT plus £8 Handling Fee) on a £18 item !! Totally Nuts !! And nowt you can do about it !

[andrewthomas197]

GIFT good idea......
Although I'm sure they'll close that loophole down soon  .
I wouldn't mind but I've never been caught before.

[matt]

you still get charged on a gift