If you are living in the UK and purchase an item from outside the EU you need to be aware of possible customs charges. The value of incoming goods that are duty free has been setat 18.00. If you purchase an item from overseas that has a value of more than this you may (if they spot your parcel in customs - they can't possibly check every one) face additional charges from customs and the carrier that delivers your parcel to you.
If your item(s) exceed 18.00 they will take this amount, ADD ON the postage and charge you duty on this total amount. The carrier will then charge you a customs clearance fee on top. They will require the duty and fees from you on the doorstep before they hand over the parcel.
This charging system and the small value of goods we are allowed to import is not advertised well and most people only find out about it when a postal delivery representative arrives with a parcel and a bill. I hope this information is useful to someone and if I've got any of the figures wrong please let me know so I can make appropriate changes.
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