Living in Taiwan, I have had to deal with this issue from time to time. Often it is regarding shipping from the US to Taiwan. I have found that more times than not, the seller is willing to do it if I call them on the phone and ask them to do it.
This is often true when the seller is a company, too. I recently contacted SMKW about shipping an order. They said that they were trying to move away from international orders because of customs, duty problems. I told them that I would be responsible for any problems arising on my side of the pond, and they said yeah, if I really wanted to do it, they would be willing. If you haven't called them, you might give it a try.
James
