Hi all,
 

I am waiting for the finalisation of my non-b visa for working in education and I am posting in this group to gain some information/pick peoples brains about importing household and personal goods with a work permit and how import/duty works for this specifically related to music instruments/equipment.

 

I am importing roughly 2cubic meters LCL with Asian Tigers - I am wanting to bring some music instruments/equipment with me, non of the equipment is new, it ranges from 4-30 years in age and I'd probably say makes up just about half of the shipment.

I found out some information online and have also posed these questions to Asian Tigers but wondered if anyone on this forum had experience in this they were willing to pass along.

 

Here is the info I found - 

 

1)

Foreigners holding a one-year nonimmigrant B (business) visa with a valid one-year work permit at the time shipment arrives at port.

Where this says 'nonimmigrant B (business)' - do I fall under this category as I'll hold a non-b, this specifically states business, I will be working at a school, which isn't business. I am wondering as such because If I don't fall in to this category then will I be subject to duty & taxes on all my items?

2)

Note: Toys, baby items, PC games, toiletries, cosmetics, washing liquid & powder, foodstuff, alcohol, office items including files, bicycle, exercise equipment, sport equipment, musical instrument, medical items, i.e. blood pressure monitor, electric chair, golf set ARE DUTIABLE and will not be considered for duty exemption. Especially sending via airfreight.

 

This part got my attention mostly because of 'musical instrument' part as obviously a chunk of my shipment is music equipment.

Of course my questions are redundant If, like I had also read, I have Duty free entry for used personal effects and household goods with a valid work permit.

Any additional information would be helpful in anything about import/duty.

Thanks,

scousehouse

It's explained on the customs homepage: http://www.customs.go.th/cont_strc_simple.php?ini_content=individual_F01_160426_01&ini_menu=menu_individual_submenu_02&lang=en&left_menu=menu_individual_submenu_02_160421_01

I do not think multiple musical instruments (and associated equipment) will normally qualify as either personal effects or household effects qualifying for duty exemption. It may be possible to bring them in duty free if you can show that they are used as part of your profession. 

5 minutes ago, BritTim said:

I do not think multiple musical instruments (and associated equipment) will normally qualify as either personal effects or household effects qualifying for duty exemption. It may be possible to bring them in duty free if you can show that they are used as part of your profession. 

Its going to be one guitar, a keyboard and then a few bits of home recording equipment basically - not strictly related to my profession though I will be helping with some music related stuff in my job, it just Isn't In my 'job description' - It Is just for home use as I like to make music In my spare time, not for monetary gain at all.

You posted the same topic about 9 hours ago that I moved to the correct forum. This forum is for visa,extensions of stay and work permits not importation of household goods.

Please post on this topic.

This topic now