Conflicting eBay polices on charging/collecting Import Duties, VAT etc

Summary: datsunpartsinoz raised an issue about conflicting eBay policies regarding the charging and collection of import duties and VAT. twyngwyn participated in the discussion, but the content of both posts was not provided, leaving the details of the conversation unknown.

I sell quite a few items Internationally and always check what Import Duty or VAT may apply to that sale as I am aware that eBay often collects these Taxes from the Buyer on checkout.

The rub is that eBay then add those taxes to the total they charge their sales commission on!

It has been explained to me by eBay and others that eBay are required to collect such taxes on behalf of the Buyer and forward it to the relevant authority.

I now see that eBay has conflicting policies on this and appears to me that they are NOT required to collect such Taxes, rather - I believe - they are doing it as a revenue raiser.

See these two examples -

To quote from

Buying from sellers using eBay International Shipping

"You can choose to pay for customs charges, import fees and taxes either at checkout or when your item arrives."

Then

Buying from sellers using other shipping services

"If your seller sends your item through an international shipping service instead of an eBay shipping program, you'll pay for the cost of delivery and VAT, if it applies, at checkout."

How can these conflicting policies both be valid?

Has anyone else experienced this?

Has anyone challenged eBay on this?

In my expeience find this a major impost on international sales for several reasons, such as:

- Having to quote higher Freight costs to cover the commission on the taxes

- Causing confusion and mistrust by Buyers about these "unknown" fees & taxes

- Buyers stating they won't buy via eBay because of this collection policy

- Buyers having to pay Import Duties again at collection as their Customs service doesn't accept the eBay sales documents.

What are other sellers experiences?

Thanks