A Complete Guide to Submitting Cards for PSA and BGS Grading: Process, Precautions, and Shipping to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau

When you find a promising card in your collection, you might want to send it to a reputable institution for grading. However, there are many subtleties involved in the process from "your hands" to "the grading agency." If you're not careful, you could damage the card, have it penalized, or even have it marked as defective. This article provides a complete guide to the personal submission process, precautions, a comparison of grading agencies, and the most popular grading service in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

1. Direct submission process for individual review (experienced reviewers recommended)

The following are the steps and processes you may need to go through if you submit a review yourself:

1. Select a rating agency and service plan
   Decide which one to send it to, such as PSA, BGS, CGC, or TAG, and select the authentication level you want (Regular, Express, Bulk Value, etc.).
   It is recommended to compare prices, check delivery dates, and check backlog status first.
2. Prepare cards and packaging
   
• First put the card into the transparent protective sleeve (Penny Sleeve)
• Then put it into the hard shell card holder (Card Saver / Semi-Rigid Holder)
• Use acid-free paper or anti-static material to protect
• The outer packaging box must be strong enough (thick carton + bubble bag + cushioning material)
• Add tracking and insurance for full package delivery
3. 
   
4. Fill out the submission form/submit application
   Most appraisal agencies have an online submission portal or submission form, where you need to fill in information such as the card name, year of issue, serial number, and declared value.
5. Transport to the appraisal center
   If direct delivery is available in your country, use international express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) to send the package to the appraisal agency.
   If the appraisal agency does not accept direct submissions from the region, it must go through an agent or delivery company.
6. Identification/Grading/Encapsulation
   Once the card arrives at the authentication center, it will be verified for authenticity, inspected for defects, and rated for quality. It will then be encapsulated in a transparent, non-detachable slab and given a score and possible qualifier symbols (OC, ST, PD, etc.).
7. Send it back to you
   After the authentication, the authentication agency will send the card back to you. When you receive it, you should check whether the envelope is intact, the card is not slipping, and the label is not defective.

2. Commonly used "delivery/handling" methods by players in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau (recommended for beginners)

For many collectors in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, shipping directly to overseas authentication centers is costly, has complicated procedures, and carries significant tariff/transportation risks. Therefore, they typically use the following methods:

• Through an appraisal company/agent service
  These companies will help you pack, declare customs, and submit them to the appraisal agency, saving you the trouble of cross-border logistics and customs duties.
  For example, in Taiwan, there is a "TCG Collector" that provides delivery services for PSA, BGS, TAG, etc. The delivery service fee will include the appraisal fee, round-trip shipping fee, and agency handling fee. 
• Reduce costs by splitting into groups/assembling pieces
  Shipping agents often use a "group shipping" method: multiple players submit a batch of cards together through a shipping agent, sharing the international shipping costs and customs duties.
  For example, TAG card grading service has a "third-party" delivery method in Hong Kong. Customers first hand in the card at the Hong Kong store, and then the agent will help ship it to the United States. 
• Shipping agent includes shipping fee + insurance/package tracking
  Most agency services include return shipping and insurance between China/Hong Kong and the authentication agency. For example, some Hong Kong-based PSA services claim to include "round-trip shipping and authentication fees from Hong Kong to the PSA authentication company." 
• Local preliminary inspection/free assessment
  The card delivery service provider will usually conduct a preliminary assessment before you submit your card. This will check the card's condition, possible penalty points, and provide advice on whether it is suitable for submission. This can help prevent your card from being rejected or given a low score after submission. 

IV. Risks and details to pay attention to when submitting a review individually

• The quoted/declared value should not be too low: If the declared value is lower than the actual value of the card, the insurance may not be sufficient, and the risk is high. If it exceeds a certain level, it may also be subject to random inspection and an upcharge.
• Shipment insurance and tracking: Whether you send it yourself or through a courier, be sure to purchase adequate insurance for the card package and use a tracked courier.
• Do not modify or repair the card: Do not modify or over-polish the card before submitting it for evaluation. Such actions may be considered tampering and result in a penalty.
• Be careful when choosing a delivery agent: Choose an agent with good reviews, transparent quotes, and a return mechanism.
• Policy/Exchange Rate/Tariff Risks: International policies/exchange rates and tariffs will affect the final cost. Shipping agents and appraisal agencies may suspend submissions to certain countries due to policy adjustments.

III. Brief Analysis of Rating Agencies: Comparison of Pros and Cons

This is the personal opinion of the user and not the position of our company. The following are the characteristics and limitations of several major card authentication agencies (supplementing the previous introduction):