[tonybsg]

Firsty, it depends on each countries' laws regarding the goods you import from third countries (not from the EU if you are already in EU for example).

Then, it's the postal company that delivers the goods.

Usually there is a minimum cost in what you import that you don't pay anything regardless the company (public mail or private company).

The problem is that when sth is imported via a company like UPS, DHL, FEDEX you have to pay not only the fees accepted by law (which are not that much) but also a handling fee, which is the overall proceeding of importing the item.

UPS for example, in many EU countries (apparently not in the UK if indeed they charge you only 13,5 GBP!) charge at least 50-70E only for the their carriers to clear the package in customs.

Of course you'll have to pay the rest of the custom fees by law as well.

Amazon.com has an AmazonGlobalProgram which you pay in advance all import fees (which are only what you should pay by law, nothing more) and you don't have to pay anything when the item reaches your destination.