Any Customs problems for Star Wars armour parts?

[Clonetrooper]

Hiya all,

to those who have ordered the whole Stormtrooper, Clonetrooper or Scout trooper armour parts set has anyone come across any Customs/Kastam issues or delays or even problems?

To me, as long as there's no metal objects/parts with the kit and there's no "suspicious" looking boxes, packages (which normally the armour don't have since they're all vacu-formed plastic/ABS/PVC parts) inside, I think it should be no issue.

What I understand is Customs have a scanner that scans packages/boxes from overseas for metal (and other suspicious) objects which then can be picked up for further inspection by them.

Would value any feedback on this as I may plan to order a complete armour set and don't wanna get this expensive gear stuck (or being enjoyed/worn) by the customs.

THANKS!

[kalkamel]

It might not get stuck by customs, but they'd probably wanna tax you so always remember to underdeclare!

[Clonetrooper]

Hi Kalkamel,

thanks for your quick reply!

Are you from Brunei? If so, is that taxation thingy applying to both Brunei (I thought everything is tax-free there? Or just applied to income?) and Malaysia?

Yeah, I know that taxation can be based on the value, but I'm not sure what are the taxation criteria (I've ordered lots of stuff from Europe, small stuff/collectables really, nothing like this big and so far didn't get any taxation/custom problems except one item which got lost or the seller never sent).

[kalkamel]

Nope, I'm from Malaysia, and I wish there's such a thing as tax free here. But alas, the beast lives! Whatever you bring in will be subjected to import duty (assuming of course, customs will bother to check your package... if you're lucky, they wont and will just release your package unchecked and untaxed). The rate of import duty varies according to the type of goods imported. To find out the applicable rate, check the category of goods as indicated in column (4) of the first schedule to the Malaysian Customs Duties Order 1996. However, there are instances where the imported goods may not attract import duty but attract sales tax.

[Plo Strax-Avix]

Importing stuff from overseas (US/EU) is a balancing act, a game of chance, and a test of your acting skills.

If customs should detain your package, the tax will be based on value of content (as per declaration form) + shipping charges + insurance on the content (if any). Customs may also amend the value of the content if they feel the declared amount does not justify the market value of the content. (More often then not the custom officer(s) have not the slightest clue what's the market value of the content, but just want to make it as expensive/difficult as possible for the recipient of the package).

Here's the 'balancing act': If you underdeclare the content, you can only insure it up to that value; so if the package is lost, you can only claim the underdeclared value at the max. But if it arrives, you may get away with little or no tax. Choose wisely.

The game of chance: The bigger the package, the higher its chance of being detained. Split the content into a few smaller packages will lessen their chance of being detained, but there's no guarantee. Also, it'll add to the shipping cost.

Test of your acting skills: If you're a good actor (or a true Jedi Master), you can get away with making the customs officer(s) believe the content of your package is not what it seems Use your imagination, but don't take them for fools either. Tell half-truths, and use your best discretion, depending on the situation. You'd be amazed with what I've made them believe what the stuff I import are supposed to be used for.

If you have to claim the package from Sepang, beware of the security guard at the gate on your way out. Never tell him you got taxed, or he'll also wanna 'tax' you as well.

[Dplik]

I dont know if this will work, but try mailing your shipment to someone who works in a GLC, or better still, a government agency. I was with a GLC previously, and all of my shipments (DVDs, collectibles, and my armor) were never taxed. ;D

Or maybe I was just lucky...

[Clonetrooper]

Dplik!

Long time no see/talk! How are ya? If I'm not mistaken, last time you were importing a full Stormie armour right?

How's it been? (I mean the process of getting it into the country).

You trooping now? Didn't see any pix of two (or more) Stormies...I once saw an awesome full Stormi (not sure is you or the other one....can't remember his name) trooping in Midvalley during opening of Something-Con (Comiccon?) in the MVEC on 3rd floor. They had Wargaming (Warhammer) stuff (although very small) etc. on display and on demo. If not mistaken, there was also a HomeDec exhibition or maybe it was differnet timing. Ya, I think it wasn't HomeDec....it was something related to Wargaming Exhibition...

[Clonetrooper]

OH, and BTW unfortunately (or fortunately?) I don't work in GLC....how will they know? You ship things to your office and put your GLC company there?

Hm...

[Clonetrooper]

sabermaster said:

Importing stuff from overseas (US/EU) is a balancing act, a game of chance, and a test of your acting skills.

If customs should detain your package, the tax will be based on value of content (as per declaration form) + shipping charges + insurance on the content (if any). Customs may also amend the value of the content if they feel the declared amount does not justify the market value of the content. (More often then not the custom officer(s) have not the slightest clue what's the market value of the content, but just want to make it as expensive/difficult as possible for the recipient of the package).

Here's the 'balancing act': If you underdeclare the content, you can only insure it up to that value; so if the package is lost, you can only claim the underdeclared value at the max. But if it arrives, you may get away with little or no tax. Choose wisely.

The game of chance: The bigger the package, the higher its chance of being detained. Split the content into a few smaller packages will lessen their chance of being detained, but there's no guarantee. Also, it'll add to the shipping cost.

Test of your acting skills: If you're a good actor (or a true Jedi Master), you can get away with making the customs officer(s) believe the content of your package is not what it seems Use your imagination, but don't take them for fools either. Tell half-truths, and use your best discretion, depending on the situation. You'd be amazed with what I've made them believe what the stuff I import are supposed to be used for.

If you have to claim the package from Sepang, beware of the security guard at the gate on your way out. Never tell him you got taxed, or he'll also wanna 'tax' you as well.

BTW, the seller (or rather their armour set) I'm currently eyeing at is from China, not US or EU (armour too expensive and shipping fees are a killer).

Maybe I was just lucky so far 'cos the largest shipment I have so far ordered and received was a boxed replica PASGT Helmet from China, no problems (arrived reasonably fast too). Initially I had mentally prepared myself for some Customs scrutiny or delay or even loss (you can imagine or know how big PASGT helmets are, besides there were also some small minor metal parts for helmet cover clips so I got worried it got detected by their scanner).
However, a box full of Imperial Trooper armour is a significantly bigger size so it's a gamble, like what you said. If I'm lucky, I'll get it. If not, well we'll have the first Customs Officer in Malaysia enforcing the law in Trooper armour at my cost

[Plo Strax-Avix]

clonetrooper said:

Maybe I was just lucky so far 'cos the largest shipment I have so far ordered and received was a boxed replica PASGT Helmet from China, no problems (arrived reasonably fast too).

Care to share some pics of your PASGT Helmet?

clonetrooper said:

If not, well we'll have the first Customs Officer in Malaysia enforcing the law in Trooper armour at my cost

The customs officer would more then likely try to sell your confiscated armour to the MySciFiFan Outpost, which has already acquired a reputation for being a place to buy as well as sell rare sci-fi memorabilia. ;D