If you guys are sending stuff from UK you need to request the seller to use ParcelForce (but not the fastest service) / Airsure if you want the items to arrive via normal system (eg like Speedpost from HK).

Also UK prices normally include VAT, if you are buying as an export customer the company should remove this 20% VAT for you - in many cases they don't as they're not too experienced with exports.

It's all about the declaration - if you're using TNT/DHL/FedEx the sender is required to include 3-5 copies of commercial Invoice which normally include the full value - by ensuring all the details are correct you can work out all charges beforehand.

You can check Malaysia's customs tarrif and ask the seller to use the relevant HS code to declare the goods (search for 8712 on http://tariff.customs.gov.my/)

I send myself medical stuff which is expensive/not available here by courier (TNT) from UK and everything is done so it gets "pre clearance" already before arriving at KLIA, and doesn't get stopped/delayed or charged. I sent my bicycle via cargo to KLIA cargo and I didn't incur any duty/tax, only RM60 in clearance/handling fees which is normal (I didn't use an agent, did the clearance myself)

And yes SIRIM is a bit of a pain, last time I sent 2 x iPhone 4S at first launch declared at full value (due to insurance purposes) - 0% tax/sales tax but RM 250 agent charges to get the SIRIM approval which took a couple of days

This post has been edited by rjb123: Oct 29 2012, 12:28 PM