Building a home in Pattaya - Has anyone used China suppliers for cabinets, windows, doors - Are there import fees

[Longwood50]

I am building a home in Pattaya and have purchased a few small items such as faucets from Ali Express and Alibaba.  They came through with no problem and with no import fees. 

I have been contacted by a number of suppliers who can build custom cabinets to match the architect drawings, windows, doors, sinks, etc.  All are at prices substantially lower than I can obtain locally. 

Yes, I know I have to pay for shipping but as one supplier said, they can load a container with purchases from multiple vendors.  And shipping from China is not particularly expensive since it is close.  

My question is has anyone on this forum done this and second is anyone familiar if there are import duties or taxes that have to be paid on imported items from China. 

 

[Crossy]

Wood furniture would be HS Code 9403.60.0000 and attracts 20% duty on CIF (Cost Insurance Freight) value plus 7% VAT on the total.

https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

 

You could get it shipped DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) or "Thailand Special Line" which can work out cheaper overall.

 

Your main issue isn't going to be the furniture itself but will be getting your builder to make the rooms match the architects' drawings. In all my years of dealing with architects and civils contractors not once has the structure "in the concrete" matched the architecture or shop drawings, they sometimes match the "as constructed" drawings.

 

To be honest, building a home here is stressful enough in itself. I wouldn't do imported custom furniture.

[henry2109]

The information from Crossy is spot on.

 

I ordered about 2 dozen things from china within the last 12 month for my house (to be built). I do not want to go into detail here, just my conclusion for you:

1. usually, VAT and custom duty is added and has to be paid by you. Custom duty varies (on the kind of good), but the total can be 30 to 50 % of the original buying cost (it is also due on shipping cost). Handling customs can be a nightmare and has to be skipped by letting the task to the seller

2. shipping cost is not cheap, unless you fill up a whole container

3. I would only order again when I can agree on a DDP order with the seller, meaning all duty, tax and shipping cost is paid by the seller, so included in the total price you get from the seller. But that means that the seller is able and willing to do his homework on this and offer you a DDP price.

4. Avoid things that have to be build in, like windows, doors, a kitchen. too many things can go wrong. Well possible are sofas, chairs, sculptures, beds, lamps

 

[JBChiangRai]

Yes Croddy is right.

 

I have brought in 2 of 40’ containers from China.

 

Not only can you have duties and taxes to pay, but customs are a law unto themselves. If you upset them, expect to be asked to produce your import license.