Irish Customs charges on US packages??

Beakflakes

Hi there.

In the last 3 weeks I paid for a 49 key keyboard and a similar sized midi controller from the USA from two separate private sellers at auction on ebay.

The packages were delayed arriving and when finally the first did I was amazed when the postman asked that i pay a 60euro 'customs charge'. He said if I didn't pay it on the spot he'd take it to a depot out of town. I have no transport so reluctantly paid the 60euro because he guaranteed that I could get the vast majority of my money back by claiming VAT or something? I was baffled to say the least but was way too tired to figure it out there and then.

The second package arrived today, a smaller lighter package with a 63euro charge from the same postman! However. Today he tells me that I can only claim this money back if I am 'self employed'????

I really only paid the customs fee twice thinking it to be a mistake and that I'd surely be refunded later. I paid both sellers enough to cover postage to Ireland...

Could anybody shed some light on where I stand on this?

Any help would be much appreciated!

orchidsrpretty

Not sure how much you paid for the items but anything over 22E, that is bought outside the EU is liable to VAT and customs charges. You are not entitled to get that money refunded. Also depending on the carrier they may charge you a handling fee, AFAIK Anpost charge around a 10E or something like that.

jor el

Duplicate thread closed.