Different VAT laws in Germany than in the UK?

[zippy49]

Hi all,
I ordered a new pair of Traveller saddlebags from a bike shop in Germany through ebay. Although I paid for shipping, the paperwork seems to indicate that I was charged 19% VAT. They came via DHL/USPS, and I had to pay an extra $80 in "postage due...other."

I have ordered lots of parts from the UK, and have never paid VAT. Can anyone explain why I got dinged this time?

[edfmaniac]

If you are ordering from the States, you shouldn't pay the VAT. I've refused to order stuff because of that and the vendor removed the tax.

[tigcraft]

That's interesting chat

[Guesi]

Well, some time has passed, but if you are still interested:

VAT is only for sending parts inside of the european communita.
Outside the EC you get the price without taxes, because you have to pay import taxes in your country.
I think the seller had just forgotten to change his invoice.