Does anybody have any experience importing wheelchair parts?

I would like to bring a couple of DC motors and controllers to Thailand to rebuild an electric wheelchair. As much as something to do, as well as help out an unfortunate Thai I know. I'm not so much worried about the cost, as knowing how much I will be "hit" for upon arrival at the airport. The only information I have been able to find states a 30% import duty on parts (does not say what kind of parts, or what application). However, in discussions with several equipment manufacturers, almost all have told me that most, if not all countries they export to, say that the import of "handicapped wheelchair devices" are duty free. Any link to a government website where I can download documentation would be appreciated.

After trying repeatedly to contact the Customs Department, we finally succeeded, but we regret to inform you that they weren’t very helpful at all.

Most information is based from the website http://www.customsclinic.org/:

Importing of:

· Electric motors, the tariff rate is 35%

· Category 87.13 - carriage for disabled persons, whether or not motorized or otherwise mechanically propelled is 0%

· Other categories are mostly using the 30% basis

As you are only importing the motor, therefore, it would not be categorized to this 87.13 as this would only apply if you are bringing in the complete product.

But all in all, the importer would still incur 7% VAT.

If you intend to import this for business development, it is recommended to establish a company and apply for a BOI where import duty for the raw and essential materials will be waived for a year. There are also other tax incentives that you may enjoy such as the corporate income tax. This company can be 100% foreign owned.

www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com

Have you thought of buying motors and controller locally?

I purchased wheelchair middle of last year from one of 3-4 medical supply shops across the road from Rajavithi Hospital on Ratchawithi Road at Victory Monument. They said repairs or parts could be obtained from them. Cost was in the low 50k baht range.

Chair was Chinese made and build quality seems to be good. Controller was western made and perhaps the motors but don't remember all the details. It has 4 or 5 speeds and the drive wheels locked when the joy stick is released to prevent rolling if on an incline. Wheels can be unlocked by couple of levers if someone wants to manually push chair. The range was in the 8-10 km range on full charge but don't remember exactly.

According to user the chair is still working just fine.

Have you thought of buying motors and controller locally?

I purchased wheelchair middle of last year from one of 3-4 medical supply shops across the road from Rajavithi Hospital on Ratchawithi Road at Victory Monument. They said repairs or parts could be obtained from them. Cost was in the low 50k baht range.

Chair was Chinese made and build quality seems to be good. Controller was western made and perhaps the motors but don't remember all the details. It has 4 or 5 speeds and the drive wheels locked when the joy stick is released to prevent rolling if on an incline. Wheels can be unlocked by couple of levers if someone wants to manually push chair. The range was in the 8-10 km range on full charge but don't remember exactly.

According to user the chair is still working just fine.

Thanks for the reply Ballbreaker.

I contacted a couple of the larger, well known brand named dealers in Bangkok, but could not get a satisfactory reply about repair parts. Prices quoted were very high for the controller, in excess of $2k. Same for the motors, very high quote. I can get a re-conditioned PG drive, direct from the manufacturer for $400, and $200 for the programmer. The dc motors are easy to find in the States. I have found several pairs for $125-$200 range. Figure maximum cost of $800. Aside from having a second bag to carry over, I figure I might be able to stuff the controller in hand carry baggage and only have to pay duty on the motors. I guess it depends on how hungry the x-ray people are. Might as well claim everything and avoid the trouble of confiscation. A previous post mentioned 35%, so ballpark figure of $1000 cost with duty and VAT included.