Search:

Actually, I think this does not apply to stuff coming from China and Japan because they have agreements in place. It's mainly from the USA that this happens. and you are right that it is a crap...

Well, that is one line of thought. In reality when a business is audited, the auditor works with what the law says, not with what the customer thinks.

In our example here, the seller is the one...

Amen to that. As a business owner, I fully expect to be audited sooner or later, and things like this are a good way to get hefty fines.

Btw it depends on state law of course. In Europe we have...

Actually, it is not only legal but mandatory. At least in Europe.
Shipping is a service that is provided by the seller, for which you pay them.
As such, it is subject to sales tax or VAT, whichever...