Shipping Notes

By default, shipments from our webstore are undervalued to reduce the declared customs value unless you specifically request otherwise. Around 95 percent of the time this works. However, there is always a very small but real risk that a package may be flagged for inspection, which can result in delays or additional charges. Customs officers can also easily look up the real product value if they choose to.

For certain countries, we offer tax included shipping. With this option, the courier guarantees that you will not have to pay any import tax or duties upon delivery. This service comes at a premium, typically 50 to 80 USD depending on your country. If you want absolute certainty and zero surprises, this is the safest option. EU customers are strongly recommended to choose this route due to high VAT and import taxes.

For certain countries, MLAstro also offers an insured shipping option. This is insured by MLAstro itself, not a third party. If a shipment is lost during transit, MLAstro will refund your order in full or provide a replacement at our discretion. This insured shipping option includes the no tax perk by default, meaning taxes and duties are handled upfront. The claim process is simple: just email me with your order number and any relevant photos if there is damage, and I will respond with a resolution within one week.

I want to be fully transparent about why this insurance option is important, especially for the SAL 33. In the past, when an SHG 700 was lost or damaged in shipping, I replaced it out of my own pocket. I am still able to do this because the SHG 700 has enough margin to absorb those rare but painful incidents. As a result, SHG 700 shipments are automatically insured by MLAstro at no extra cost.

The SAL 33 is different. Its margins are much thinner, and replacing a lost or damaged unit without insurance puts me in a very difficult position. Offering insured shipping allows me to continue treating customers fairly while keeping the project sustainable. It protects both you and me against the unpredictable risks of international shipping.

For US shipments, due to newly imposed tariffs on imports from Vietnam effective August 29 2025, the only available shipping method is tariff and tax included. I have absorbed as much of the additional tariff cost as possible. However, for SHG 700 and SAL 33 orders where the added fees are too high, customers may be asked to share part of the cost. All US shipments must use the tariff included route to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected charges at delivery, so there is only one shipping option for the US.

Insured Shipping Terms and Conditions

The MLAstro insured shipping option covers loss theft and shipping damage that occur during transit while the package is in the custody of the courier.

Coverage applies only to events caused by the courier or the shipping process itself. It does not cover losses or damage resulting from incorrect or incomplete shipping information provided by the customer, refusal of delivery, failure to pay required customs fees when applicable, or failure to collect the package after arrival.

Damage claims must be reported within 72 hours of delivery or 60 days in the case of package lost and must be supported by clear photos of the external packaging and the item as received.

The insured shipping option does not cover damage caused after delivery, improper handling, modification, disassembly, or misuse by the customer.

The insured shipping option does not cover damages to the packaging, only the items inside shipments.

The insured shipping option does not cover willful negligence, intentional acts, or fraudulent claims by the customer.

In the event of a confirmed loss during transit, MLAstro will refund the full order value or provide a replacement at its discretion.

By selecting insured shipping, the customer agrees to these terms and conditions.