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Originally Posted by punky
I think the way it works out, is that Customs gives it a value that they think they are worth in the UK, and if it is worth £18 (including postage) then you pay the duty on it.
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AFAIK, it is based on the declared value on the Customs Declaration attached to the package, not on what they think it is worth. Unless, of course, the delcared value is suspiciously low & they open it up to have a look.
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If you had a friend out there you could trust, you could probably get round the Customs charge, People are allowed to send presents into the country (upto £36), without you having to pay the duty/VAT. So if you bought a years supply for £100, and sent it to your friend in the States, he can split it up, and send it to you in 4 parts. He must clearly mark it a present though. Of course the Customs guy is at liberty to decide wether you're trying to cheat the system or not, and add duty/tax/fines so use that method at your own risk.
So basically, i'd advise you not do it. Sorry.
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I think that could be risky for multiple shipments - apparently, gifts must only be received occaisionally e.g. for birthdays & anniversaries.
It could be worth contacting HM Customs & asking whether there is any kind of exemption for contact lenses, or if there is at least a lower charge for them.