DHL delivered my batch 2, no customs charges. 
Yet. I know UPS bills me for the "broker fee". I have never had customs charges, but every shipment I get hit with a fee
Didn't come from China like my first batch did but rather HK.
Hong Kong is part of China.
Yes, but it's different since the British used to own it (no longer the case). One is a developed market (HK), one is emerging (China) in the MSCI indices. HK has its own legal system and acts separately than mainland China.
True, but this would have no effect on taxes, tariffs, or duties.
Well, I look forward to hearing from HK-shipped ASICs as to whether the receiver was assessed a customs tax--I did not with the origination there but I did when it originated from Shenzhen.