Import tax from US-how does this work?

[Appuskidu]

I want to buy an item of jewellery from the US that is about £30 and £15 postage. I had read that I can be charged 20% import tax on it if it’s over £35, is that £35 including my postage? Are there any admin charges as well?

Also, how do you get charged this fine-do you get a letter from Royal Mail? Or a customs office?

I must never have ordered anything from America before? I really love the item but wondering how much it’s going to cost and how much hassle it will be!

If the cost was £36 including postage (as it often is on Ebay), I think that you'd end up paying tax on the post.
If it was £5 plus post you should be ok. But don't quote me, I haven't bought anything since the new system started.

They put a grey card through your door, and it has the instructions on it. You go online and pay the charge with a debit card.