I reckon it is 25% Both batteries cost £802 so a quarter is £200. VAT is 20% and import tax I am guessing at 5%
Just wasn't expecting such a hit, That makes each battery costing just over £500 That is more than the Synergie Cruiser for the whole bike!
Old post, but thought I'd comment on this for anyone reading it.
You have to understand the way import VAT is calculated as to why it can seem so high and much higher than 20% VAT sales tax on domestic goods.
Customs make couriers follow a standard practice across the EU (EU law) which means they calculate Duty (about 3.5-6%) on the goods value first, and goods value means cost of goods + shipping + VAT on shipping. Then import VAT at 20% is calculated on top of that final price.
But here's the sting. EU law makes couriers use a set scale of minimum shipping cost where the shipping fee is not stated (with proof) on the paperwork. Often this shipping estimate is much higher than what you actually paid.
Yes it's a racket. The end result is you often end up paying 30-35% import taxes on your goods.
Also there's the £15 clearance fee/deferment fee routinely extorted by couriers just for paying the VAT/Duty for you through their account with HMRC. This is also a racket and basically a way to exploit customers and make incredible profits from doing very little. I have checked with HMRC, and customers (and businesses) who are importing goods DO NOT have to pay on deferment accounts with couriers, you can ask the courier to pay the taxes DIRECTLY to HMRC and they cannot refuse you. Often if you argue over the £15 fee and say you didn't request that service and preferred to pay it directly, the couriers will just drop it and not pursue the fee. You don't have a written contract/agreement with them after all to pay for any service and it's not worth them pursuing you for such a small amount. So stand your ground.