This is what happened when seller didnt list the shipping cost in the invoice. Then Kastam will ask the shipper how much and get quoted ridiculous price.

Better to include it separately.

I received my Bluetooth speaker just fine. I think they ain't too tech savvy to realized the Bluetooth part or just lazy to bother.

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

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.

Who are you buying from and what did they charge you?

Oversea sellers will most definitely not be collecting import taxes/duties on behalf of Malaysia custom. What they charge you is based on the sales taxes or export duties if required by their local government. You will be dealing with Malaysia custom by yourself or through the forwarding/courier if you are being subjected to import duties or whatever taxes the custom deem necessary according to the law.

If you are subjected to import duty, then it will be calculated inclusive with shipping charges.

Bought plenty of cover from taobao and never paid anything. Besides under RM500 usually will be let go.