Girls.
I purchase from non EU countries all the time, and I can describe my several types of experiences. First of all, as a general rule, if tha package comes with a marked value of less than 45 Euros, there are no customs fees, and the parcel arrives really quickly. For denim and such, I make an agreement with the seller that if the parcels get lost I ask to have the refund only for the value declared.
For higher values, it all depends by the shipping method. Through postal systems, it seems that inspections and duties are random, i.e. they can spot and stop a parcel or not, their choice.
If the item is marked as a gift, it means that in theory you still have to pay import duties, but not VAT. If the item is not marked as a gift and the value is over the said 45 Euros, you will have to pay import duties (the amount varies based on the nature of the goods) and VAT (also on the shipping cost).
Finally, if the item comes from suspicious countries OR is a bag that is declared being of leather, the item might get stuck in the customs. Usually I am asked a) to send a fax describing the exact nature of the goods, b) to show a receipt of the original transaction (I send them the paypal page with the transaction ID or the Ebay checkout page) and c) a self-certification ('autocertificazione') declaring that the leather does not come from endangered species.
Yes, the import duties are quite high, BUT: sometimes the deal is good even with all the extra duties. Like when I buy a Botkier on sale for 300 dollars instead of 600 Euros.
Plus, the transit times in Italy are awful: calculate always twice the official transit times. Right nowI'm waiting for a parcel from the UK that comes with Airmail Signed For and it's taking more that 15 days
ush: YES!
