A 25-year-old traveller arriving from Singapore learned an expensive lesson about customs rules in October. Airport authorities found several hundred Pokémon trading cards worth more than S$30,000 (about RM95,000) in their luggage during routine screening. The traveller had declared nothing.

Singapore Customs is now investigating the case under the Customs Act and Goods and Services Tax rules. The incident caught attention among Malaysians, many of whom asked: would the same items be taxed here?

Royal Malaysian Customs director-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainudin confirmed they would be, explaining that all imported goods carried by travellers are subject to import duty, excise duty, and sales tax unless they fall under specific exemptions. Trading cards don’t qualify for any exemption.

The RM1,000 Duty-Free Limit

Air travellers entering Malaysia get a RM1,000 duty-free allowance for goods purchased overseas, covering everything except alcohol, tobacco, clothing, footwear, and food items, which have separate allowances. Anything above RM1,000 is taxable, including electronics, branded goods, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, gifts, and trading cards.

The tax rate depends on the item category. For trading cards (classified as playing cards under tariff rules), you’ll pay 10% import duty, 10% sales tax, and 10% excise duty on the amount exceeding RM1,000, not the total value.

What You’d Actually Pay

Say you bought RM5,000 worth of Pokémon cards in Japan. The taxable amount is RM4,000 (RM5,000 minus the RM1,000 exemption). On that RM4,000, you’ll pay RM400 in import duty, RM400 in sales tax, and RM400 in excise duty, for a total tax bill of RM1,200. Your cards cost RM6,200 to bring into Malaysia legally.

For the RM105,000 case in Singapore, if those cards entered Malaysia, the tax would be approximately RM31,200 on the RM104,000 excess.

Personal Use Doesn’t Matter

Customs doesn’t distinguish between items for personal use, collection, investment, or resale – if the total value exceeds RM1,000, it’s taxable. The exemption applies to the value, not the intent, which catches many travellers off guard. Common seized items include phones, laptops, designer bags, cosmetics, and now apparently, rare trading cards.

How Declaration Works

You’re required to declare goods exceeding the duty-free allowance under the Customs Act 1967. At KLIA and other entry points, you’ll see two lanes: the green lane for travellers within the RM1,000 limit, and the red lane for travellers with goods to declare.

Even if you use the green lane, customs officers can randomly inspect luggage. If they find undeclared taxable goods, the items can be seized and you may face investigation.

To declare, bring your purchase receipts showing the item value, the items themselves for inspection, and payment for duties (usually by card or cash). The upcoming eCustoms traveller system will allow digital declarations and tax payments before you land, which should speed up the process.

What’s Actually Duty-Free

Your RM1,000 allowance covers most goods. Separately, you can bring in 1 litre of spirits or wine (if you’re 18 or older), 225 grams of tobacco products (roughly 200 cigarettes), personal clothing and footwear for your trip, and reasonable amounts of food for personal consumption.

When Collectors Get Caught

Trading card collectors, sneakerheads, and watch enthusiasts are increasingly flagged at customs. A Supreme hoodie bought in Tokyo for RM1,500? Taxable. Limited edition sneakers worth RM3,000? Taxable. Vintage watches from a London dealer? Definitely taxable.

The old assumption was “if it’s for personal use, it’s fine.” The law doesn’t work that way. Taxation is based on declared value, not usage intent.

Check Before You Fly

If you’re buying high-value items overseas, factor in the 30% tax (10% + 10% + 10%) on amounts above RM1,000. For a RM5,000 purchase, expect to pay roughly RM1,200 in duties. The Royal Malaysian Customs website has a full guide for travellers, or call 1300-888-500 for specific queries.

For collectors specifically: if you’re importing cards, watches, or other valuables worth more than a few thousand ringgit, you’ll need to declare them. The green lane doesn’t mean customs won’t check.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for the latest money tips and updates.