Info re UK Exporters, please.

[GordonvaleClaret]

Is it a normal business practice for UK companies to collect taxes/duties on exports on behalf of foreign governments?

If “yes”, how do UK companies know they should do it?

My reason for asking is that Australia, where I live, will commence charging GST (VAT) on overseas postal/internet purchases come July. A UK company, from whom I make the occasional purchase, has emailed me stating that they will collect the GST. They say if they don’t they will not be permitted to export to Australia.
To me that sounds like the Australian government is blackmailing overseas companies in to doing their work for them, under threat of being blacklisted. Hence the question “is it normal”?

[ClaretDiver]

I don't know the answer to your question but there is an additional part to this, how will the Australian Government know how much to collect from the companies??

[GordonvaleClaret]

Hopeful bounce.

[RammyClaret61]

I’ve had a look at the Aus Gov website, and as usual it’s as clear as mud. It was announced on the news that ALL parcels from overseas would have 10% GST added. But the website states some pRcels under AUD1000 “might” not??

But I can fully understand why Amazon now doesn’t send to Australia, it must be a nightmare.

[CharlieinNewMexico]

Amazon just launched it's own operations in Australia, presumably to counteract this

[GordonvaleClaret]

Yes they have, BUT the variety of goods for sale in .au has been cut by about 80%.