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Even worse when something sent from the UK to the US for repair (under warranty.)

On it's return, we would often get charged full UK duty/taxes etc, as if it was "a New import", even if the US office managed to get the paperwork straight (rarely) AND send it back via the exact same route but in reverse!.?? That's a UK custom's rip-off thing, and there is no way to challenge it for small co's and individuals.

It's as bad if anyone ships from the US to the UK using the USPS.? That is then handled here by Royal Mail.? They add import duties (even if the commodity code indicates low or zero duty) then exorbitant "handling charges", and our 17.5% VAT on top of the lot.

So, something that cost, say, $20 US on eBay, I end up paying over ?100 UKP!? Has happened twice to me.

Then there are the US sellers who list "international shipping no problem", do NOT exclude the UK.? But flatly refuse to communicate, though take my money!?? That's something eBay is good at, getting my hard earned back in those cases.

Oddly, DigiKey can send me a high value (100's of $'s) parts order to my door, overnight, seemingly with impunity and minimal charges!? I forget what they declare on the package.? And no, it doesn’t come from a bonded warehouse in the UK, as it's smothered in stickers and stamp markings indicating it did travel overnight by air!?? So it can be done.

We (in the UK) also now get screwed by our own idiot government since Brexit happened, moving anything between UK and EU (Including Ireland) either way, now costs a fortune and takes an age, as there are not enough people to handle the paperwork.? It's as if they have not heard of doing things digitally.? Hence, there are sellers in the EU who will now not sell to UK buyers.

Worse, a large proportion of our food is imported from, or via the EU.? Result?? High prices, and very short "use by" dates.

"Modern Life" eh...? We're rapidly reverting to being "The Sick Man of Europe" like we were back in the 60's.

And you don't want to know what we pay for fuel and energy in general!

Regards to All.

Dave 'KBV.