UK VAT collection

[jellybirddesigns]

Haven't had international sales for quite a while and I know a few things have changed since last year. Just got a sale to the UK and I see that Ebay are now collecting VAT and have charged the buyer accordingly.

Would it be best practice to include a copy of the packing slip on the outside of the parcel so that that Customs can see that there has been a VAT collection? For places like Germany I use a small ziplock bag taped down on 3 sides with a copy inside. Would this suffice?

I also just noticed that in the address details it has the following: GB 365 6085 76 Code:Paid

Do I need to write that on the outside or is it just arbitrary info?

[curraone]

Yes you need to include the code on the address label.      I think this is to show customs that tax has been paid.

And it wouldn''t hurt to have a packing slip enclosed securely on the outside, with not too much detail visible.

[asporty]

I had my first order from France, and I copied and pasted the VAT paid code which was on ebay's packing list on my own postage label (which I stick on all parcels anyway). I also hand wrote the VAT paid code on Australia post label.