I ordered a bike part yesterday direct from the USA and paid $25 to have it delivered within four working days. I’ve just received a text message from DHL over the phone stating that I have a £19 VAT charge now to pay. I’m confused, I’ve ordered things from overseas before, including the USA, and have not had to deal with an extra VAT charge, so why now? I will check the terms on the website (Wolftooth) and see if it mentions anything there.

..have not had to deal with an extra VAT charge, so why now?

You got lucky the last time.

https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/overview

Best contact HMRC and pay the vat you owe then, tax evaders 😉

No point in looking at Wolftooth for answers, it’s HMRC you owe money to. As Drac says, you’ve just been lucky up to now

Have just checked the shipping small print which says that DHL is very diligent about collecting duty taxes on their faster delivery services and they rarely bother collecting taxes on standard services! Bugger!!!