Dude, Custom checking are really random and very much depends on your luck, it doesn't matter that it is a big, small or package-separated parcel. There is no black & white stated any minimum cost of parcel will not be taxed, but some says should be below RM500, and again, there is no guarantee with that.

My suggestion is, just lower your declared value to Custom, as low as possible (of coz, reasonable too!), then even you're so unlucky and got the tax (10% sales tax + 5% import duty), the tax paid can still be minimized.

One more thing that need to remind everyone, all action figures are NOT categorized under toy category for Kastam Malaysia. Just click on the link below and type in the word "figure", you should get the result as wanted (the Kastam Malaysia website only works correctly on IE):

>> KASTAM DIRAJA MALAYSIA Excise/Tax Search

For toys, there is no import duty but it still imposed 10% sales tax; whereas action figures will impose a 5% import duty + 10% sales tax, so totaled up is 15% on top of your custom declared value.

The definition for "toy" in Kastam Malaysia are those movable thing to play with, included with engine or mechanical/electronic parts, then for those unmovable toys are considered as "model". For "figure", the definition is animated displays used for shop window dressing (refer to the Kastam website).

But, I do not know about how they define figma since it is a movable figure, can anyone clarify this please?

Hope this explanation will clear some myth among us.

HAPPY COLLECTING~!

This post has been edited by animetsu: Mar 11 2009, 09:36 PM

I did read the posting from BeatsX and others, but it is just too "technical" for me.

I assume you are going to Kastam office at KLIA to collect your parcel and ready to pay the tax, so if this really happen, you may still able to bargain with them to reduce the tax, here's how:

Come to the counter, they will give you the form for the 15% tax. Then, just act innocent, smile and talk to them like friends, such as saying "wow, kenapa mahal betul!", later you may ask the person at the counter about "boleh murah sikit ke?". But keep in mind, they do not see the declared value currency while asking for your payment, if they ask you how much the declare value, never mention the other foreign currency. Example, if your parcel declared value is USD300, so just say your parcel is worth only RM300~RM500, if you're lucky, they will simply accept without asking or checking anything. Normally, they will give you discount if they always see you come over personally to collect the parcel and hence knowing you as friend. This may sound a bit ridicules, huh?

So, the main point is, chat with them and seek possible reduction on the tax imposed, like a credit-card salesman desperately looking for customer at the shopping center, we should learn the good bargaining skill from them. I did have a parcel worth USD625 and held at Kastam KLIA, but I only pay the 15% tax based on RM625, amazing! right? haha~!

These are just my two cents, anyone have better idea, solution or experience to share here?