Import Tariff On Mobile Phone?

[ScienceGuy]

Anyone know if there is an import tariff on mobile phones? I'm trying to get a phone(Google Nexus One) off ebay and I am not sure if I will get hit with excessive tariffs or not.

[hyperion]

rezzing the ops ? because I'd like to know the answer to this too.

Thanks!

[gregb]

Go to the customs website (www.customs.go.th)

Search on "phone". It takes all of 10 seconds to traverse the links and read the correct harmonized code for a mobile phone is 85171200.

Listing the tariffs shows that since Jan 1 of 2007, mobile phones are exempt from duties. You will still need to pay 7% VAT on the price of the phone plus the cost of shipping, plus a customs clearance fee if you use a carrier like FedEx.

Only the actual import duty is exempt. In practice, if you use the regular postal service, anything valued under $100 USD is simply delivered without fees. Not guaranteed, but that is a common practice. If the phone is second hand, make sure you note that on the customs description.

[midas]

Go to the customs website (www.customs.go.th)

Search on "phone". It takes all of 10 seconds to traverse the links and read the correct harmonized code for a mobile phone is 85171200.

Listing the tariffs shows that since Jan 1 of 2007, mobile phones are exempt from duties. You will still need to pay 7% VAT on the price of the phone plus the cost of shipping, plus a customs clearance fee if you use a carrier like FedEx.

Only the actual import duty is exempt. In practice, if you use the regular postal service, anything valued under $100 USD is simply delivered without fees. Not guaranteed, but that is a common practice. If the phone is second hand, make sure you note that on the customs description.

if it was sent first to a relative and they sent it on to you as a " gift " , wouldn't that

avoid VAT and everything ?