Quote Originally Posted by felicityhu View Post
As far as I understand VAT is a Value Added Tax? I don't really want to pay taxes that will eventually go to the state. Do you think there may be a way to bypass the VAT payment, or is it really 100% mandatory for everyone?
You don't have a choice, it's the law in UK and most other country's I would imagine that VAT is added unless it's in the None VAT category which is mostly health-related, certainly not machine tools or components. Often the shipping agent won't release the goods until the VAT and any customs charges are paid.

On smaller items, the VAT will be added at source ie: Aliexpress, eBay, etc and they pass on the VAT to the Revenue and Customs.

So it's just a case of bend over and take it I'm afraid.!