Hi

While googling for import tax, google brought me this url :
www photokaki com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19397

I am planning to buy a Video Camera from US (Warranty wont be valid in MAlaysia).
I believe if I import one unit from US, its not taxable.
Refer : www apectariff org/tdb.cgi/ff3236/apecfind.cgi?MY+8525

Here are my questions
a, Video Camera is not taxable?
b, Is it safe to declare full amount e.g US$600? Normally I declare lesser than US$100?
c, I will have to state the traffic heading, for my case "8525 40 000"?

Thanks

I don't know what mode of transport/delivery you are using for that camera. But consider the following:

1. If you are buying a video camera from an online store which is in US, they will normally use courier services. These items are usually packaged and declared as a 'GIFT' so to avoid taxation on both parties. The items are normally declared as worthless or just a few dollars. But courier service will usually randomly pick a few items for checking. Any problems, they will usually go back to the sender or the item is simply rejected and sent back to the origin. However, by passing US authorities on border control will not mean you will pass Malaysian Custom clearance. Some of these items get hold up at custom check point and the item will be quarantined. The receiver of the items are usually called upon to provide proof of claim. And they will tax you. Just a matter of luck I would say.

2. If you are buying a video camera as in from the US and bringing it back via airplane, then you can strip out all relevant details pointing to your purchase. Meaning to say, no box, no receipts, no nothing. Just the bare necessities. This will given an impression that the video camera is indeed your personal item.

Disclaimer: Although I may have bought items from overseas, it does not make me a custom and taxation specialist. So your mileage will be different than my experience. I do not hold responsibilities on what I have said above. It is better to confirm with the online store you are buying from. They usually have the details and methods to avoid such problems.

Anyway why do you want to buy a video camera from US? It maybe cheaper but the inconvenience is not worth it.

a. If I'm not mistaken, it's taxable. Most electronic devices are taxable. Just to be sure, you can call up KDRM to ask.

b. It's safe, provided you use a reputatable courier service (eg: Fedex, DHL, etc). However, if you get taxed, it's going to be very expensive.

c. not sure what you mean.

As for declaring it as a gift, it's only not taxed if it's declared below MYR 500 (this total includes the shipping fee!) (ie: value of your item + shipping you paid).

my 2 cents:
Declare it lower (below USD 100) and have it shipped Fedex/DHL. Take the risk and pray for the best
That is, if you really want it.
My estimated tax you gotta pay is about MYR 614 if you declare it at USD 600 assuming the worst.

I have recently ordered a camera lens from Hong Kong. It was shipped to Malaysia via DHL. The item was held by DHL Kuching due to tax. However, knowing that it's not eligible for tax, my cousin who helped me order it, fight for it and gave DHL the kastam code (for tax exemption), and finally the tax was lifted. Sometimes you just need to fight.

There's no import duty for camera imports, but the sales tax do apply. Do note that there's a difference between import duty and sales tax if you go through the Tariff Code Book.

My company bought equipment from US which include gauges and microscope. There's no import duty on those items but sales tax is eligible.

Davidmak:

Thanks for the reply. Its very details. I am planning to courier it back, following what u have suggested, declare as gift and lower value. The price diff for the video camera is around RM1500 - RM1800. So it worth the trouble

Nexro:

Note taken. Will declare it lower than US$100.

Soulfly:

Hopefully i wont need to fight for my item

Hopefully the website is correct, 1 unit of video camera is not taxable.
Refer www apectariff org/tdb.cgi/ff3236/apecfind.cgi?MY+8525
Traffic heading 8525 40 000

Thank you so much

Best of luck and happy shopping!