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.

If you got the invoice with shipping fee stated in the invoice, then just confront the officer with that. If the shipping fees is not stated, then thats when they get the bloated amount by asking your shipper aka DHL for an estimate.

That's why it's better to go there directly and nego nego.

From my personal experience, those who walk in usually walk away in smile. My dad usually gets a shipment of tea every year from far far away relatives in China. We have nothing at all. No shipping fees nor invoice. 50 small boxes which they gave a rough figure like RM10 per box. Then add shipping fees already over RM500 but we never had to pay since they finally relented after we gave our explanation. We even keep the shipping document over the years to backup they sent every year during cny as gifts.

Also different officer will treat you differently. My cousin once went there after his 4k monitor was held. First officer strictly want to impose duty but after he went to lunch, my cousin talk to another officer and managed to convince her to let him off scoot free.

Depends on your luck.

Are you sure? Normally when you want to use their service, they will require you to sign a slip with your ic number to appoint them as representative.

I see. I think you are slightly unlucky. I only had one encounter with DHL when I bought a headphone via Massdrop. Total including shipping is USD 145 (3.60 rate) actually exceed RM500 but it was dilepaskan.