customs charges on old item

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Just bought a camera lens from japan and received a letter saying vat is due i would understand if it was new but as far as i can tell it was made sometime before 1977.

Item was £32.54/$49.99 postage was £19.53/$30 i have to pay £8.44 vat + £13.50 clearance fee. as far as i can see vat was about 8% in 1977 so do i have any comeback on what i have been charged or do i just say ah well and go take some photos

[Ean218]

You have imported an item into the UK from outside the EU therefore VAT and the appropriate duty are due on its current value. Age of said item is irrelevant.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

notice 143 says this though
Is duty charged on used goods?
Used goods are still liable to the same duty and VAT charges as if they were new. However, this may vary depending on their age and condition.

[Nickyboy]

The only variable is the duty rate, as it was under £100 you won't pay that anyway so it's just VAT you're paying.