Based on my experience, if one item in your shipment is held (e.g. beauty products which require pharmaceutical approval, and electrical goods which require permit application), the entire shipment will be taxed, even if it's below RM 500. Oh, also, do not consolidate more than 3 packages in one single shipment. Otherwise your shipment will also be held and taxed.

Sometimes, I'll just send my stuff to Singapore (especially beauty, electrical, and high value items like branded handbags) and go collect them myself. It's cheaper and less hassle free than dealing with customs. The Singaporean rule is pretty simple - as long as it's below SGD400 per shipment, they don't care how many packages you've consolidated in that one single shipment or what you bought - as long as it's not taxable and not illegal.

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Added on November 3, 2011, 11:39 am10% sales tax include your item value + shipping cost. If using 3rd party agent to do the clearance for you, might involve extra charges e.g. RM 20 for DHL.

This post has been edited by fionafan79: Nov 3 2011, 11:39 AM

Which agent are you using? If DHL they will do clearance for you. If PosLaju you need to handle this yourself or appoint an agent on your own. But I use to do this myself, and it's pretty fast and easy. Unless you are from KL, and need to drive all the way to KLIA lah.

Er.. anything to do with power supply, you'll need to apply for a permit from Unit Merinyu Eletrik. It'll take about 2 weeks, and DHL will charge you RM 70 or 75 for the application. But actually the application is free, and you can do it yourself. Just call the UME, tell them what item, where its been held, and write an official letter. If you meet a kind officer, he/she will even get your permit approved in less than a week! But once your item is held by customs for these permit application purposes/inspection, they'll impose the sales tax on you even if your total is below RM 500. But it all depends on your luck also lah. I've safely got thru a a huge garment steamer and a number of tablets, but got held up on smaller items like hair dryer and mini sewing machine. Sigh! It's all a matter of luck.

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Added on November 4, 2011, 9:46 amHmm.. so far I never lah. Unless your quantity is too many, or your declared value is too high.

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Added on November 4, 2011, 9:55 amIf you send items to another country, the tax will be imposed by the receiving country. You need to find out what's the current limit for personal allowance in Australia.

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Added on November 4, 2011, 11:08 amI've bought something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PGQM1M shipped through Amazon twice. No issues. It's battery-operated with charger.

This post has been edited by fionafan79: Nov 4 2011, 11:08 AM

Sorry dear, but I'm not sure about this bcoz I've nv purchased a Nintendo. Maybe can wait for TS reply or call Customs directly for clarification.

If your base charge is less than the amount taxable, it would be advisable to split up your shipment. Much better than the hassle of dealing with customs delay + additional agent charges.

Yes, definitely.

Really? No matter how much the total price? Need to apply for electrical permit or not?

EDIT: How about Kindle? Is this taxable? I contacted Customs directly. First reply I got, it says no - but need to contact SIRIM about the permit. Second reply I got, they say Yes. I'm also confused.

This post has been edited by fionafan79: Nov 10 2011, 03:14 PM

I think any type of aerosol/spray can is prohibited by the shipping companies right?

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Added on November 10, 2011, 11:17 pmYeah, they say anything with wifi need to go through Sirim.

This post has been edited by fionafan79: Nov 10 2011, 11:17 PM

I never shopped with Asos before, so I'm not sure which method of shipping are they using. Were you provided with a tracking number? If yes, you can check. If item is held by customs, it'll usually have a "Clearance Delay" status.

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Added on November 15, 2011, 1:14 pmNowadays they don't care even if you say "for personal use only". I've been taxed several times even when my total purchase + shipping is less than RM 500, and the item I buy is only 1 pc per design per size. Just a matter of luck.

This post has been edited by fionafan79: Nov 15 2011, 01:14 PM

10% [$340 + International Shipping] + Agent Handling Fee/Admin Charges

Will be held by Pusat Merinyu Elektrik. There's some process to it which you can DIY instead of getting the agent to do it for you ($$$). A kind customs officer will tell you what to do. Did you check your voltage? Malaysian voltage is 230-240v, common US voltage is 120v.

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Added on October 16, 2012, 9:37 amIf you buy from Amazon, it's easier. They will already calculate the import tax for you, and bill you beforehand. You'll get the figure during the checkout process.

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Oops sorry, just saw that you mentioned you'll be using 3rd party shipping service. For 2000USD, your shipment will definitely be held. Am not sure about the tax, but you can always call your local Customs office for more clarification. I usually do that before purchasing.

This post has been edited by fionafan79: Oct 16 2012, 09:41 AM

Anything with power outlet will be held for inspection. Unless of course your purchase from China, which strangely they are not even bothered to stop you.

By the way, less than RM 500 limit means price of item PLUS international shipping cost ya...