Mailing a camera (customs duty question)

I had to leave my expensive digital SLR camera in the US last time I was there, but I really want it back now!  I'm considering asking my parents to mail it to me, but I'm concerned about getting slapped with a big customs charge.  This is my camera that I've had since before we moved, and I'd hate to get charged for bringing it into the country (since I took it to the US from the UK).  If they ship it to me, I want to insure it, but I don't know how customs works.  Since this isn't a new item that I'm ordering over here, will I get charged customs duties on it?  I don't have any receipts or anything to show that I bought it quite a while ago, although they'd probably be able to tell from looking at it that it isn't new....  If I'm going to have to pay 17% VAT on it, I'd just as soon wait until I go back to the states to get it, but if I won't be charged, I'd like to have it shipped.  Does anyone know how this system works?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Jade

I think you can have your parents insure it (because it is a camera) but have them ship it as a used personal item.  I think you can do it this way.

I am in agreement with Dar.  I shipped over numerous items of varying value, and did not get charged anything.  I don't see why you would either, especially if it is labeled as used camera.  Hope this helps.

Thanks for your replies.  I would hope it would be obvious to anyone that it's used, but I have no idea how this system works!

Jade

If you are having someone mail it over, they will seal it up.  The customs and postal workers try to avoid extra work of opening packages.  The only way they will know it is used if it is labeled on the shipping/customs paper that is attached to the outside of the package.  Again, hope this is of some assistance!

I've only ever been charged on new items that I bought and had shipped from the US. Gifts have never had customs charges attached, nor have 'normal' packages my family have sent.