U.K. Import V.A.T. on a 1907 O.A. Bayonet import into the U.K. from the U.S.

[Peter Laidler]

You cannot (?) appeal against the Post Office for the £8 charge because they are obliged to act on behalf of HM Customs to collect the fee. As for the Customs, they are charging you 20% VAT on the value that they put on your bayonet. You COULD appeal but you have to remember that if they take advice and the item is worth MORE, you pay MORE - PLUS their costs. It's not the age, it's the value

All that might not be strictly correct but it's pretty close. You ought to see my huge file on customs charges regarding telescopes valued at £1000 and duty and VAT paid for up-front!