Thai Customs And 'tools Of The Trade'

[Crossy]

Oh Great Oracle of Thaivisa Members....

I'm having some specialist test gear sent to me from the UK (about US$2000 worth), not available in LoS.

Now this kit can legitimately be called 'tools of my trade', is not new, and is my personal property.

Anyone aware of a loophole allowing me to pay reduced duty (no I'm not trying to do anything illegal like avoiding duty, just minimising it). It will be coming via regular EMS type post (I've already learnt about couriers and customs by expensive experience) but it's usually my luck that the big stuff attracts customs whilst the little stuff whizzes through without a second glance.

Legal thoughts anyone

[Soutpeel]

Believe if you can prove your "tools of the trade" are not availible in Thailand, then a reduced tax rate on the proviso, they being used for a Thai business

[chickenslegs]

Here is a link to the Thai Customs Dept - Items exempt from duty.

Thai Customs

There's a couple of items that could apply to tools of trade, but it looks like you only get an exemption if they are brought in temporarily.

There is a 'Contact Us' facility on the website, so you could try explaining the situation and asking if there is an exemption or reduction applicable to your circumstances.

Good luck.

Edit: you need to select "search for goods exempt from payment of duty" then hit the search button (don't put anything in the description box) then you'll get the full list of exemptions.

Edited April 18, 2010 by chickenslegs

[BigPanda]

Not sure if I can help, but because of my work I have to go around countries with valuables.

To avoid paying taxes and import duties, I have to fill up what we call a CARNET. (it's a french word but used for every countries that are in this association)

Thailand is with the Carnet so you could check this option, but you must take your items out of Thailand after a while, you can't keep them here. If you are to keep them here, legally you will have to pay the fees.

You say it's test gears, so I take it that you will not keep them here, otherwise the carnet will not be approved.

It's a bit like the previous post said, but we call it a carnet.

I hope this can help you.

Good luck

[hawthorne]

can it be dismantled and shipped separately? Or carried in the suitcase on your visits back home? Maybe the parts are not so valuable as the sum to the customs agents?

[Soutpeel]

Not sure if I can help, but because of my work I have to go around countries with valuables.

To avoid paying taxes and import duties, I have to fill up what we call a CARNET. (it's a french word but used for every countries that are in this association)

Thailand is with the Carnet so you could check this option, but you must take your items out of Thailand after a while, you can't keep them here. If you are to keep them here, legally you will have to pay the fees.

You say it's test gears, so I take it that you will not keep them here, otherwise the carnet will not be approved.

It's a bit like the previous post said, but we call it a carnet.

I hope this can help you.

Good luck

A Carnet is for temporary import only, not for sale, and will leave the country with the person who is carrying it....not approriate in this case me thinks

[Soutpeel]

Cant you get it shipped to Singapore and get someone/yourself to hand carry from there ??

[longstebe]

The Thai customs had asked my wife for 30,000 baht taxes on our personal items we had shipped over.

The wife eventually got it down to 9000 baht.

Maybe you have little choice but to pay but theres no harm in trying.

[Crossy]

Thanks Chaps.

Carnet isn't going to work as the kit is for my business here. So dad is sending my stuff via Parcelforce (Royal Mail) International Parcels with a suitably small declared value and 'used computer equipment' on the customs form.

We shall see what happens.

[Soutpeel]

Thanks Chaps.

Carnet isn't going to work as the kit is for my business here. So dad is sending my stuff via Parcelforce (Royal Mail) International Parcels with a suitably small declared value and 'used computer equipment' on the customs form.

We shall see what happens.

If the value stated on the proforma invoice is less than US$ 100 and is "not recognisable" by customs...ie They havent got a f*kcing" clue what it is, they may get away with it

[Hssl]

As you already know a CARNET is NO good as its ONLY for temporary import

Computer equipment comes in at a very low duty - Why not ask Mod Raro i believe he's in the import biz

[Crossy]

To update, Dad sent the kit via ParcelForce International, declared as used electronic test equipment (he was never one for porkies), declared value $1000.

Arrived yesterday, had to pay 1500 Baht 'fees' to postie. "You want a what???" (receipt that is).

Result!!

As always YMMV.