I am hoping to start a discussion around posts asking about customs, as they tend to make up many of the messages within posts, and more posts are asking about it.

I know many of the users buy from abroad, and the years of most things getting through without being caught are long gone.

Myself, when I first started buying from abroad, sources were closely guarded, not referred to much, as it was believed mentioning these sources would increase the likelihood of being caught coming into the country.

Is there any truth to this? I think there is, and not throwing sources around is something I still believe in.

When it comes to customs, its a lottery.

When it comes to how much will you pay, well duty is £367.61 per kg. You will also pay vat on the declared value of the parcel, and whatever fee Royal Mail, or Parcelforce also add, £8, £12 respectively.

Sometimes they will weigh the cigars, sometimes the entire box.

So what is my point? Do we need a discussion about the posts about asking if the taxman took their cut or not? I find they add nothing to a discussion.

For me it would be down to the poster of a haul to offer that info in the post.

I would also like to see a sticky post or info on the sidebar to a post around customs and the fees you might expect.