It also depends on the goods, as import duty, tax and fees are calculated on package weight and the type of goods being imported.
I regularly get imports from Japan, I had a shipment for 9.800 yen, about 44, got charge £11.25. I had another package, from the same supplier for about the same value and I didn’t pay a thing.
It’s a lottery with importing from other countries. One thing many do, is mark the item as gift, but if it’s not a gift, and you, as in the receiver are found to be getting the item from someone you ordered the item from, and it’s not a gift you can be prosecuted. Not the sender, but you as the receiver will be fined.
This is why when I import, I have my items marked up correctly, and not de-valued. The suppliers I import from in Japan do this anyhow, as they are honest, and so am I. TBH, even with import and VAT charges, it always works out cheaper for me, as the items I get imported are a rip off in the UK, they overcharge in this country for my hobby..
I had a website, but lost the link. It has the VAT and import charges to expect. I’ll have to search it back out again, it was a worthwhile read.
