Jonty,
I bought a leather case from Jeff's Outfitters and like your import got hit for the VAT also. (European Sales Tax) The USPS has an agent to handle clearance and tax collecting which in most EU countries is a firm called GLS. I have dealt with their Irish subsidiary on past occasions and always had problems.
Service from Jeff was fantastic, and I have no hesitation in recommending his business. He shipped as promised and the case was wrapped/packaged to perfection. It took USPS Express Mail 2 days to get the product to Ireland. It then took almost 2 weeks to get the parcel across town (14+/-miles) to me. This was achieved after several phone calls to their "customer service", a lengthy email exchange with their CEO. Without doubt GLS (and thus USPS) has the consistantly worst customer service I have encountered in years.
Costs (based on 2004 values):
Gun case and Cover - $355.90
Shipping & insurance- $ 67.95
Total value $423.85 or Euro345.00
Import duty Euro10.34
VAT(Sales tax) Euro74.56
Clearing fee + s. tax Euro11.50
Total taxes/fees Euro 96.40
Total cost Euro 441.40 (+/-$560)
This cost is considerably cheaper than prices in the UK and Ireland, where similar cases (without Cordura covers) sell for a minimum of Euro 600 / Stg£400 and up. 'Spose it's worth the grief from USPS....
KM
