It all sounds a very risky business. Sounds as though I need the sender to make a false declaration to minimise the duty and even then its a bit hit and miss, Thank you for all your advice I am glad that I havent yet ordered anything although I am sad that I am going to miss out on some quality products from overseas.

Anne (the Pleater) I didnt realise you were just round the corner from me, whereabouts in Dorset are you,? probably driven past your house loads of times. I thought that only Richard and myself were on the south coast.

thank you all for your replies, am now much wiser,

kind regards