What if I don't pay DHL Customs Duty and VAT?

Hey guys I purchased an Australian iPhone 4S through ebay month ago (I'm from UK). I paid all the delivery charges and got the phone delivered and I have been using it for a month now. Now I've received a letter from DHL of Customs Duty and VAT of £76. I seriously can't afford to pay that much. I didn't even £76 for that iPhone in the first place. It was a faulty phone. Anyway I know that this charge is legitimate but what happens if I don't pay that charge?

Can DHL send me this invoice almost a month after I purchased that phone. From what I read on the internet I see that DHL supposed to have held the item until I paid the customs charges. Why am I getting this bill so late? And why should I pay this much for an item that cost me only £50? This is so unfair. Please tell me that I can ignore this letter and not pay anything. I'm so depressed! £76? My goshhh I can't pay that!

Than they will not be paid…

Usually they send the bill before they send the item - nonpayment simply means you don't receive the item.
They can't take the item back now, but they could chase your for the money - the usual debt collection route.
I have heard of people who have ignored it with no consequences - personally I wouldn't chance it, but take that as you will.

The duties and VAT are calculated on item value + shipping costs + insurance (if you took any out)
The courier will also add on a "handling fee" of between £8 and £15.

Even so, £76 for a £50 Iphone sounds extremely high - unless your shipping and insurance costs were extortionate you almost certainly shouldn't be paying that much. Have you tried phoning DHL to query it?

For future reference, customs charges are often *very* high - you should always check beforehand when ordering from outside the EU. (Unless the item is worth less than £15).
You can use the following link as a rough guide:

www.dutycalculator.com

You will need to add on the handling fee to that amount.

I have heard of people ignoring the bill and thats the end of it but would you want to come home one day and find a dept collector waiting at your house or a court summons?

its one of those things my friend they will either leave it be or chase you for it but you could always play dumb and say you didn't receice the bill. Its up to you to gamble it
£76 is extortionate for a £50 iphone you would normally pay that much for an item that was around $400 or more