[poliss]

If you had bought the decoders singly you would not have had to pay duty.

For purchases bought by yourself with a value over £18 you may have to pay duty depending on the product; it may also be liable to VAT. Under that amount you will not be liable. http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalW...008654#P36_4692

The page that shows the duty etc. is http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalW...tyType=document

 

[poliss]

The limit for gifts is £36.00. For purchases it's £18.00.
HMRC says, if you purchase goods from suppliers marked as a gift and if the declaration is found to be false or misleading you may be liable to financial penalties or criminal prosecution.

 

[poliss]

Sol, you are liable because you are the importer. If you don't like paying the taxes then take it up with your MP.

 

[poliss]

It does seem that some people complain about cheap imports from China and some people complain about paying customs charges. Which ones are right?
I'd go for just having income tax myself and abolishing all other taxes.