Got a letter today. From Parcel Force.
Apparently Customs charged me £9.86 VAT on importing 5 PCBs. Because of this I have to pay parcelforce £11.20 handling fee as well.
Here's the thing. The PCBs are worth £3.59
Unfortunately my only option is to pay as they are now holding my parcel to ransom. Only then, when I pay the ransom will they release the parcel and associated documentation to me so I can appeal the charges.
What is the most dishonest thing about this is that "Border Force" have simply just made up a value, randomly, off the top of their heads or out of their arse and slapping it on the package.
So, there is a remote possibility of getting the £9.86 VAT back, but zero chance of getting the £11.20 back.
In the UK the authority ladder goes like this:
You, Your Boss, The police, The government, God, Her Majesties Custom and Excise.
</rant>