Porn or anything related is not advisable la. If you are lucky then good for you. But if not, the item will be confiscated. Worse, they will fine you with this saman and that saman.... then embarrassed summore... then they will stamp 'sex pervert' on your forehead.

Some say computer parts are tax free. But there are some cases where importing computer parts are taxable. Something about fan... need you to search other threads as well...

But 1 thing can make sure... limit your value to below rm500, some say below rm500 is tax-free. Even kalau kena tax pun, easier for you. kena pandai-pandai kow-tim sama itu officer... (talk soft-soft ma).

Future experience, pls share with us. Can pm me cause I'm also in the middle of importing some computer parts from US. Small-small only, personal use.

Declaring an item below its market value somewhat is risky. Do you think the Kastam ppl is stupid? They have their own guidelines they can refer to. If they found out, you could be fine.

My own experience (true story 1): Once I bought a used Nokia hp from ebay originatd from Singapore. The market value is around rm400 (mid end model though it is used item). I guess when the seller post it from Sg it flew straight to Ipoh, not KL. Cause I guess there's a direct flight from Sg to Ipoh. It stuck at Kastam Ipoh and they send me a letter to claim the item. My place to Ipoh is quite far and I'm sure I would spend a whole day tending to the matter, so instead I call them. Note: the item was clearly declared as a used hp with value at rm400. When I call them, they admit they hadn't open the parcel, but they know its a hp because of the declare form. They told me the item is taxable and I need to attain a Sirim certification (obtainable only in Putrajaya). I beg them (via call) to consider because its a used item. At that time I don't know the procedure and just decide to give the item up. At last, after a lengthy negotiation (I can't remember how much I spend on phone bills), they decide to let me go but after they advise me to do it via proper channel in the future. 1 week later I receive my parcel with the packaging still intact. They ask me why do I need to import it when you can obtain similar item in Malaysia? I just told them that it was a used item and it was a gift from a friend.

(true story 2): Once again my itchy fingers won a bid, this time from ebay UK. A new phone (Mot A1000), so cheap you can buy 4 phone of the same model with malaysian market price. Seller post it via Royal Mail straight to KL (my address is Perak). 3 weeks later I receive my package with no stamping whatsoever from kastam, even though the package was clearly declare as a hp with its original UK value. No tax...

So, my conclusion is... it depends to who (or where) your item arrive. I guess kastam KL had so many packages coming in and they were busy, just let go individual parcel without checking them. It all depends on your luck. But seriously, for hp, you need to obtain a Sirim certificaton to import them and it is taxable.

To play safe, if you want to import handphones from oversea, just make sure their price is so much lower than similar item in Malaysia market. Plus RM200+ (sirim) + 10% tax (need someone familiar to verify the percentage).

If your item not stuck in Kastam, then you are lucky. If not, they will tax you according to above + time and money to go to Putrajaya (only) for Sirim. Sigh!

But sometime phones from european country such as UK, their price is so much lower... I admit, so tempting LOL. Cause they got this principle: Subscribe to their network and get free handphone?

My wild guess is 1 sticker for only 1 item. If 1 for all, then towkey hp all gone millionaire already

Just like cars, importer can only bring overseas car as many as the AP been allocated to them.

AP and tax is 2 different things. AP for example is the permit given to you if you want to import certain things which need SIRIM. ie like handphones. Whether the item is taxable or not is under Custom dept, regardless of AP. You need to confirm with Customs for that. Call them cause many complaint that the Custom website is confusing or not complete (no info).

Just like cars, you need AP permit to import overseas car. And yes its taxable.

BTW watches I heard is tax free or duty free. Is is the same? Tax & Duty? Need someone to confirm this. Many times I passed by watches shop and saw the duty/tax free stickers on their display glass.


I don't think you can call it tedious. But you can ONLY apply it at Putrajaya office. Spend whole working day for me (Perak) to drive to Putrajaya. Why do you want to import laptop from overseas? We do have many choices here in Malaysia? Unless you can get it so much cheaper in other countries. This wasn't intend to scare you but handphones for example, cost rm200+ for AP (SIRIM sticker) for 1 handphone. Don't know about laptop. Hand carry or courier? If hand carry, you can claim it as a used item, maybe they won't tax you (withput the box)

This post has been edited by minamie: Mar 8 2008, 02:51 AM

No problem actually if you want to import computers or parts from overseas. The only question is are they taxable and how much. You can undervalue the price as declaring is concern. But then they are not stupid bunch officers. Its part and parcel of their daily lives.

One more thing, you can always find a loophole if you know the law and how it works.

Just to be safe, prepare extra 20% for tax on top of the price (excluding S&H). Good luck mate!

What about MP3 players (small credit card size one)? Fall under which category and is it taxable? If yes, how much?