Would you expect to have to pay duty on an American Amazon parcel?

[PuzzledBear]

I ordered a package from the US Amazon site, with hefty shipping fee. Now I've had a bill from FedEx for duty! Is this normal??

Not for books or children's clothes, but yes for amost everything else. Often it's not actually duty as such, it's tax and a whopping great admin fee.

Yes, its normal.

Sorry! I think it's duty and a customs handling charge. My most recent package had been opened, checked, resealed and stamped.

Damn. I was hoping something was wrong...

yep I paid it on my wedding dress from the USA and a penknife thing my Dad wanted. Completely normal I'm afraid.

Yes, usually it's the equivalent of VAT.

Yes, we ordered wallpaper and were hit with a large customs charge.

Yes, you may have to pay both import duty and VAT.

The way in which courier companies act as agents in this is a bit dubious sometimes (as you are not the one who made the contct with them, you shouldn't have to pay any 'administration fee' for this) but you do owe the taxes (law of land, not specific contract) and must pay.

Yes. That's why I avoid buying outside the EU.