I'm sorry, I still don't get it. As someone has previously stated, doesn't the duty get paid buy the purchaser when the item is new?
If the US government charged duty when the product was new, and the UK government charge duty on things that are new, when you buy 2nd hand in either the US or UK there is no additional duty charged, why is it charged when shipping across the pond, and who gets that money. I have just started the process for buying a frame and forks from the USA, and I had no idea of any of this, sh*t, looks like neither were much of a bargain.
This stuff is not just being sold on by someone in the US trying to make a quick buck, it is actually used, and often in need of restoration, or just for parts. This is disgusting.
I'll get off my soap box now.
d_c