QUOTE(SmokerBamboo @ Feb 13 2019, 08:11 AM)
Hi guys, need advice. I bought some toys less than RM300 including shipping from Japan. Today I got an email from DHL saying I have to pay them RM100+ coz they helped settle custom tax for me. I called DHL to ask further, I told the operator lady my figures are less than RM500, shouldn't get taxed. The lady told me custom taxed me under "Tariff Code"(??).
Anyone knows what's that? Can custom tax sesuka hati like that?
Update: I downloaded some documents related to this parcel from DHL website. There's no mention of this "tariff code", maybe the DHL lady was bullshitting me. Instead, I found out that custom changed my freight to RM320, the original shipping fee was 1800jpy (RM66) only. Seems like Malaysia is still the same even after the government has changed.
There is tariff code... it is not bullshit. Although your item may be cheap but because under declaration, the item falls under a category that is being subjected import duty, thus they will seek the value of the item in order to determine whether to tax and the amount buyer needs to pay. Therefore if there is no supporting documents like invoices (usually happen with gift), they will agak agak the value and ask shipper (in your case, it is DHL) the cost to ship the item from its origin country (usually it is bloated amount).
What I can suggest to you is walk in to Kastam office beside the OLD LCCT. Then give them supporting documents (invoice with free shipping) or explain to them its a gift or something. Most of the time they will just let you through (chop dilepaskan) if you can prove its value is insignificant. Shippers are usually looking for easy way to earn money because once you let them handle it, they will charge you a handling fee.
FYI, I seen someone getting toys gift and being subjected to import duty. Saw a lady receiving a box of minions from her sister in HK, but due to the quantity of the toys (she got like 40+), Kastam simply slap a figure of RM10 per figurine, that adds up and then add shipping fees estimate from shipper (bloated amount again), somehow the value got over RM500. Dont simply ship huge quantity thinking its gift and it will be no problem. Kastam deal with tens of thousands buyers who tried to get over their loopholes everyday. Sometimes I think better just forged an invoice and attach it just like what those Taobao seller are doing. Easier to pass Kastam clearance.
This post has been edited by andrekua2: Feb 13 2019, 11:03 AM