VAT charges parcel from USA.

have had notice from Parcelforce on parcel due from USA.Have said vat of £10.57 plus £8 to be paid.Have done so as I don't want parcel sent back.I did ask seller before posting if customs charges would be due as parcel contains 12 small packages.Value of items total is $87.88[£51.19] plus postal charge paid USA $70.00.Seller had told me no customs problem,he marked as value of $90 and as gift.He is now asking me to ask Parcelforce why these charges have been raised.Can you tell me what are customs limits,who should pay for these charges and how do I respond to this seller.Parcel due on Tuesday,help appreciated.

The tax kicks in at £18, I think it's £35 for a gift but HMRC are liable to ignore the gift thing if it looks like it might not be (printed address label, contains invoice, ebay number on it, etc).

Your seller was well meaning but ignorant in marking as a gift, at $90 value, about 60 quid, it would have attracted tax on the whole value plus shipping cost.