Customs/VAT Fees for Repairs

[Zuman]

A few weeks ago we had a voltage spike in our home which damaged an electronic device.  I had to send the electronic device to Japan for repair.  The estimated cost to repair the component is $300.  For repairs like this should I have to pay both customs fees and VAT when it is shipped back to me in Thailand?

[jackdd]

I think you would have had to declare the item before you sent it there. If you take for example a car over the border to another country at the border you get some "temporary export paper" from the customs, so you don't have to pay tax when you drive back to Thailand. I think the same would apply to any other item, also your electronic device. If you didn't declare this beforehand now it's obviously too late and it could happen that they charge you customs and VAT for the item when it's returned. Maybe you can find some more infos if you just google for something like "temporary export" customs fees

[Monomial]

I did this back in 1999. One would hope they have made it easier since then, but this being Thailand I would not bet on it.

 

At the time, I had to go down to customs at Hua Lampong. I needed to get a picture of the item showing the serial number, and a form that about 6 different officials had to sign. It then had to be shipped out from the post office right there. When it came back in, it must again come by post, and I had to bring all the documentation back down there to get the repaired item imported again. It was a royal PITA and would have been easier just to pay the 12,000 baht in duties.

 

Note that it must be the exact same item with the identical serial number that matches the serial number shown in the photo. A replacement item doesn't count and is considered a new import.