Originally Posted by Waynej
They say that when u go through the order process u have the choice to mark the item down as a 'gift', some seem to think that this may stop any additional charges.
Thats wrong. Marking something as a gift does not stop you from getting taxed. This is taken from
HM Revenue & Customs
Originally Posted by HM Revenue & Customs
2.4 Gifts
Goods sent as a gift are not free of import duties and import VAT. However, customs duty will not be collected if the amount is less than £7, and under EC Directives and Regulations excise duty and import VAT is not chargeable if:
* the value of the gift does not exceed £36
* the customs declaration is completed correctly
* the gift has been sent from a private person outside the EU to a private person(s) in this country
At the end of the day its hit and miss whether you get taxed or not. Shipping with a courier will always end up with you paying duty, but you get the goods quicker. Letting Royal Mail handle your package will be slower but you also have a 50/50 chance of getting hit for duty.
Originally Posted by UKMuFFiN
a)was there any customs charges? how much?
Your charge will be based on the value of the goods. Just add 17.5% to find out the VAT (i think games are duty free, just don't quote me on that) and the handling charge made by the carrier, Royal Mail charge about £4 with the couriers charging £6-12.