I'm in the UK and so far haven't had to pay any import duty or VAT. Here's what it says from the UK Gov website though;
Perfume and toilet water
If you order or purchase perfume or toilet water in person or over the internet from a country outside the EU then you have to pay:
Excise Duty on the whole consignment
Customs Duty on the whole consignment
import VAT on the whole consignment
All other goods
If you order or purchase goods other than alcohol, tobacco, perfume and toilet water from a country outside the EU then you have to pay:
Customs Duty on goods with a value that exceeds £135
import VAT on goods with a value that exceeds £15
Note that on all goods from outside the EU, Customs Duty is waived if the amount of duty calculated is £9 or under.
Adding a bit about the VAT its says
Import VAT rate
The percentage charged is the same VAT rate that applies to similar goods that are sold in the UK.
The import VAT percentage rate is applied to the total value of the goods. In the case of goods brought in this is the sterling equivalent of the price paid abroad, as shown on the receipt. In the case of goods posted from outside the EU, it is the amount on the Customs Declaration, which includes the price paid for the goods, the cost of transport, postage and packing, insurance and any duty that may be payable.
VAT in the UK at the moment is 20% so can work out VERY expensive as they normally also charge a flat rate fee to send you a letter telling you there is duty / VAT to pay on an item. This can be up to £12!!! You can pay in person, phone or online but the other two options usually means the parcel will not arrive for at least 24 hours.
Anything from the US / Canada is ALWAYS inspected and seems to attract a fee or some amount (I rarely buy from there for that reason). Switzerland is the same as its not part of the EU. Other countries seem to be hit or miss...