Every parcel that crosses a border passes through customs at the destination, and customs look at what the sender has declared to decide how to handle it. Getting that declaration right is the easiest way to keep a parcel moving and to avoid surprise costs for the person receiving it. Here is what you need to know when you book with Quantium Solutions from Malaysia.
What the declared value is
When you book, you list each item in the parcel with its quantity and its value each, in RM. Together these make up the declared value. Customs at the destination use it to decide whether duty or tax is due, and how much.
Declare the real value of what you are sending, including gifts. It can be tempting to write a lower figure, but under-declaring can lead to delays, fines, or the parcel being returned or seized. An honest declaration protects both you and the receiver.
Describe each item clearly
A good description tells customs exactly what the item is. Write "cotton T-shirt", "ceramic coffee mug" or "children's picture book", not "clothes", "gift" or "personal items". Vague words are a common reason for parcels to be held while customs ask questions.
List each kind of item separately, with its own quantity and value. For every item you also say where it was made, which is not always the country you bought it in.
HS codes made simple
An HS code is an international product code that tells customs which category an item falls into. Our booking form accepts codes of 6 to 10 digits. You do not need to know them by heart: click the magnifier icon next to the field, search for what the item is, and pick the closest match.
Parcels to the United States need the full 10-digit US code. The lookup offers it, so choose the 10-digit option when you are sending there.
For some destinations, the booking form also shows each item's value, and the total declared value, in the destination's customs currency. It is a useful check that the numbers look right from the other side.
Who pays duty, and when
Duty and import taxes are set by the destination country, not by us. They can be paid in one of two ways:
- Collected at booking. Any duty we collect is shown in the price when you press "Get prices", before you pay. The receiver has nothing more to settle for that part.
- Billed on arrival. Where duty was not collected at booking, customs may bill the receiver when the parcel arrives.
For parcels to the European Union, the difference comes down to an IOSS number. If you have a valid IOSS number, usually provided by the online seller, enter it at booking and we collect the EU import VAT and duty with your payment. This is known as DDP. Without one, customs bill the receiver on arrival, which is known as DDU.
It is worth telling your receiver in advance if they may be asked to pay something, so it does not come as a surprise.
A quick checklist before you pay
- Every item is listed with a clear, specific description.
- Quantities and values in RM match what is really in the box.
- Each item has an HS code, and the full 10-digit code for the United States.
- You have entered an IOSS number for the EU if you have one.
- You have checked the full price, including any duty collected now.