Insane multi-line-entry fees
I regularly order electronic parts from Digikey US to Malta (unfortunately to Malta Digikey only ships from the US) and shipped through DHL Express, for electronic design prototyping purposes. These orders are by their nature a list of many different line items, but each line item is of very low value, it is not uncommon that I have 50+ line items in a single order.
On a recent order with 50 line items and a total material value of just $203 I was charged a total of Eur166 by DHL, out of which Eur113 were multi-line-entry fees!! Ultimately no duty was payable!! That is I paid Eur113 just for DHL to tell me that I don't need to pay duty on this order!
Apart from this there is the usual Eur15 VAT deferment charge.
I just cannot understand the logic behind such disproportionate fees when compared to shipment value and payable duty...
EDIT: Just wanted to clarify that I fully understand how these are calculated and I fully understand the underlying VAT and Customs laws. My questions/complaint is not why am I being charged this amount but rather the fact that I find these fees highly disproportionate, particularly in today's age where most of this processing is probably automated.