It can get a lot worse.
Try a charge of E17 for a parcel containing $5USD of goods.
The limit for internet purchases outside the US (in order to be customs free) is E21 here.
They charged E4 in customs, E12.50 in customs handling charges, and make me pay E17.
Mind you, this was a gift... not even an internet purchase, so the rules are more forgiving... well, should be...
No, don't look suprised, it is the mail... they get to screw you anytime since they're allowed to make 'judgement calls' (read: they put on parcels whatever they like).
They don't even respond to inquiries :-?
When purchasing / receiving stuff internationally you just need to accept this blackmail / fraud.. you'll come across it eventually, and it isn't like they give you a lot of choices.