Yakima valley hops

[Will_D]

Was the package in any way "tampered" with?

ie. Had it been opened or had a probe been inserted?

If so then it might have been picked out as a "suspicious green leaf containg package" and subsequently analysed.

In order to pay for the negative investigation they slapped the VAT on.

Just a theorey!

[imark]

Didn't appear to be but there was quite a strong herbal smell from it.

[Will_D]

Maybe then the fee went to pay for the "sniffer dog's food & doggy treats"

[Jacob]

According to Section 11. from  Revenue Guide to Importing Goods through the Post available HERE
there should be no VAT on it.

However, there is no relief for importations of tobacco, tobacco products,
alcohol products, perfumes or toilet waters irrespective of their value.

Is it possible that because of the 'herbal smell' that thought that it might be tobacco?

Try to contact them to verify why they charged you.

10.  Can I query a customs charge?
Yes. If you have a query on a specific customs charge you should contact Revenue
staff at the postal depot shown on the date stamp area of the Customs Docket with the
precise details of your package i.e. the parcel number, the sender's declaration and the
part of the packaging with your address on it. Alternatively, you can have your parcel
returned to the postal depot for reassessment.
E-mail contact details for the customs parcel depots are as follows:
Portlaoise  - parcelpost@revenue.ie
Athlone – athlonepost@revenue.ie
Dublin Mail Centre – dmc@revenue.ie

Also,

16.  Can I appeal a decision made by Revenue?
Yes. If you are aggrieved by a decision made by Revenue you should outline the basis
for your appeal in writing enclosing the related documents and forward it to the person
from whom you received the written decision within 30 days of that decision. Any duty
under dispute must normally be paid or secured before the appeal can be processed.
Further information on Appeals is contained in Information Notice C & E No. 5
and/or  Information Notice C & E No. 6.

[Jacob]

Yep, no customs duties.