Customs, or the post office, as often happens ignored the reduced-VAT document and charged the full 22% but only on a declared value of USD150
Thats EXACTLY what they do with anything from the US delivered to the UK. All the correct paperwork, and declarations, and they charge VAT regardless. And then the postal service adds another 12 to 20 pounds to the bill for the privelidge of collecting it from customs. And its one hell of a fight to get them to refund it.
However I never seem to be charged anything from china, hong kong, or australia, etc.
The fans can be significantly quieted. In fact my front one is unplugged. Only the rear one running and its much quieter. Stays cool regardless as long as the restrictive front grill is replaced. Many cheap grills on ebay to keep fingers out that flow well.
I will end up with one 25mm thick rear fan only fitted and a finger guard at the front I suspect.