@79thPA
timurilank still paid VAT he just avoided the customs tariffs, extra shipping costs/delays and sundry hassles by buying within the EU.
VAT was collected when the Carolingian figures were ordered from Baueda in Italy. Had the figures been bought from the UK one of the following would happen.
1. The UK seller deducts the UK VAT rate of 20% from purchase price with the 21% Netherlands rate collected upon arrival. Couriers/Postal service charge to collect the local rate of VAT.
2. The UK seller has the correct paperwork in place and orders go through the same as before "B". Longer delivery time is to be expected as the UK's transport system is poor.
Had the figures been coming from elsewhere , say the US. Customs/Postal service in the Netherlands would assess for VAT/Import tax upon the goods arrival, collect the dues and charge for the privilege.
$80 USD order with shipping would rise to $96.80 USD , could be another $10 USD for the assessment fee.
There's no escaping taxes, with VAT being the main reason few of us Europeans buy from the US.