Vat and customs quote confirmation for colouring pencils from USA to UK charge

Hello, need help getting a quote for how much it will be for VAT and customs charges for some colouring pencils for personal use from USA to UK. Going round and round royal mail and HRMC as no-one is clear on whether it is an exempt item or not etc??? Before I purchase from US store need to know if going to be stung by costs on this side for delivery. 2 of the same item - box of coloured pencils each valued at $104.85 (USD)(around £84) without delivery. Individually they would be under the £135 threshold, however, both together are obviously $209 (USD)(Around £170). I cannot find anywhere to actually confirm the percentage VAT or Customs Duty for these to calculate how much I might have to pay on top. Please help with confirming IF payable if I just get one at £84, or if I get both, at £170 what is the exact charge for import etc. Delivery for both items together is estimated at around $40 (USD). Please help. Thank you.

There is a relief from duty for consignments below £135 . This excludes shipping costs provided the seller separately identifies this. Exchange rates are those used by customs on the date of arrival in the UK. The seller should be registered for UK VAT and charge this at 20% at checkout . You need to check their terms and conditions. If the above applies then there will be no additional charges. https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad For consignments above £135 you will be charged import duty on the goods and shipping and VAT at 20% on the cost shipping and duty. Depending on the carrier they may also charge a fee for calculating the charges and taking payment from you Duty rates are in the uk tariff schedule Chapter 96 covers pencils Pencils (other than pencils of heading 9608), crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals, writing or drawing chalks and tailors' chalks You will also find a link to a duty calculator in the same place. It makes no difference whether the goods are for personal use or not.

Thank you!

Hi KazMax,
Please contact our International Trade Team who can help you with this:
Imports and exports: general enquiries.
Thank you.