At least dealers in the UK do actually remove the VAT when selling overseas to places like Australia. Mobs like Grootspoor put it in their own pocket and tell you that it is automatically removed on their website depending of the buyer's location. I tested that with a proxy server where they are located and it was all BS. I no longer give them my money on principle.
Interesting enough, I have found my live steamers flying under the radar (ironically, none were a Scotsman) as far as my local customs in AU are concerned over the past several years and occasionally in the distant past too. WINNER!

More trains for me and less for the Gov.

In the past when importing was done differently over here, I had to give them the import tariff classification because it potentially comes under several different ones which have a different rate or zero.

The cubicle dwelling tax agents don't care as long as they have a number that fits so don't be duped.
eBay and other large corps now do the import sales tax collecting on behalf of the AU gov but they also charge their fees which are usually outrageous.

It's a constant battle against the virtual skeleton money boxes.

I'm sure it all works somewhat differently in the UK and those across the channel but it is all relative.
