Legal Assistance with Import Duties and Invoices

Questioner

We received a gift from Australia in June. Our son (15) accepted it from the driver. 2 months later we received an invoice for customs clearance costs. We were very surprised. Nothing was said about this when the package was delivered. The company in question states that we as residents of the Netherlands must be aware of the laws. That it is not their duty or responsibility to report this. I don't think this is correct. What should I do with this?

Lawyer

Depending on the value of the gift you will have to pay import duties and you are indeed expected to be familiar with Dutch law, read http://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/bldcontentnl/belastingdienst/prive/douane/goederen_ontvangen_uit_het_buitenland/goederen_uit_buitenland_internetaankopen