EU import fee

Not once I've seen EU members complaining they have to pay import fees for packages arriving from outside EU. On the other hand, I've had swaps with people in the EU and they didn't have to pay any customs fee. So, what is the real situation? 

Don't know what smugglers you talk too but I have to pay import dues and VAT nearly all the time where it applies 😅🥲. But complaining about it that doesn't do anything at all. In the past it was now and then on a specific item.

Idolenz

 I have to pay import dues and VAT nearly all the time where it applies 

This exactly IS the question: WHERE (when) it applies? From cent one? 

When? From cent one for VAT and import duties from 150€ (I believe that includes the shipping and handling). There is no waving of small purchases anymore. Where? The importer/carrier like DHL etc. pays it upfront (unless you tell them not too, they of course charge a hefty fee for their service and I forgot it multiple times). Then I go to the customs office and they charge me VAT/import duty when not already paid through other means like eBay or the for-mentioned carrier.

But reading up on the internet does give me multiple different answers and crawling through customs pages is not something I want to spend my time on right now. 

If you are not buying but getting a “gift” I believe you still can get around many things but I usually buy from reputable dealers that don't do such grey area things so I don't know much about it.

Dejan

Not once I've seen EU members complaining they have to pay import fees for packages arriving from outside EU. On the other hand, I've had swaps with people in the EU and they didn't have to pay any customs fee. So, what is the real situation? 

People do not complain about death or taxes. No point in doing that.

For packages delivered by courier service or post receiver has to declare what is in the package and pay import taxes. Had to do that for Israel to EU, Ukraine to EU. Courier services/post refused to deliver package without paper work or blatantly returned package to sender.

I deliberately switched to Bezos .de site instead of using .com or .uk one when possible just cause it has English option, I assume that thing is in EU and I get less paperwork with purchases from there.

Whenever a delivery comes from outside the EU, I have to pay customs duties, which is why I hardly buy anything from outside the EU anymore, it's too expensive.

Well, when I really want something from outside the EU I just gladly pay for it (carrier ans costumes fees).