Quote Originally Posted by grahamrob View Post
Do you always have to pay import/excise/customs duty on something from abroad? what happens if you've paid VAT on the item in the other country,thanks.
If you have paid VAT in an EU country then (for now at least) there is no further VAT to pay. If other charges are levied, for example import handling charges, then these charges will attract VAT

AFAIK there is no relief for VAT paid in other jurisdictions but there might be some countries with reciprocal arrangements. Most countries allow the export of items free of VAT (incl the UK).