Hi all,

I am thinking about importing a second hand amp or pre/power combo from either UK or Germany.

Value will be around 2.000 GBP.

Does anyone have any experience with this regarding import duties and which courier to use (Parcelforce, DHL etc.)?

I've read several posts about import tax of 30% or more plus VAT on the value of the item + shipping cost. If i check the

Thai Customs Integrated Tariff Database it says:

8518.40 - Audio-frequency electric amplifiers 60%

So, any experiences here?

Thank you for all answers in advance.

The problem is the more expensive (and therefore luxurious) something is, the more they feel they have you over a barrel.

If it was brand new at 2,000 - I think you would be lucky to get away with paying less than 600-1000 pounds in shipping, duty and VAT to get it in.

Then there is the unusable warranty, you are supposed to be able to send something out of the country to get fixed and get it back in without duty but I've never seen anyone actually accomplish it.

Also they are likely to set duty as per a NEW item, they may even take the Thai RRP to set the duty from if it's for sale over here.

if you can find what you want in BKK it is much easier and cheaper.

I bought a mini stereo with a very big sound for a cheap price. (every thing inkl. 36300thb)

as you can see the link below. Good luck.

http://picasaweb.goo...628840285183186

http://picasaweb.goo...628944628646594

There are several dealers in Bangkok that specialise in high end second hands, Mr Balance on the top floor at the Pantip Plaza probably being the best known. Fortune Tower has also several such dealers.

Here are two with web-addresses:

www.hiendoption.com/home/

www.vintage-audioshop.com/

Unless you absolutely LOVE your amp which forms the crux of your system that you can't live without, I'd recommend that you leave it where it is in the UK and spend the money you'd pay on tax/shipping to buy a 2nd hand one over here. Yes you'd pay more given the exchange rate, but the taxation is such an uknown that you will get several phone calls and several changes in tariffs to pay.

I imported a Krell amp from Singapore to Thailand, used, highly marked down to Customs. It arrived on the day I was leaving Bangkok so I paid the tax (communicated by the courier) and paid extras for getting it rushed through and delivered. I think I paid about 8000-10000 baht. The amp was worth £3000. I think I was lucky.

For couriers, check www.interparcel.com which check the rates from all main couriers and seem to give the best price for any.

Unless you absolutely LOVE your amp which forms the crux of your system that you can't live without, I'd recommend that you leave it where it is in the UK and spend the money you'd pay on tax/shipping to buy a 2nd hand one over here.

That is if you can at all find the brand/model you want in the 2nd hand market in the land where the market for high end audio is so limited.

I don't remember if amp falls in 10 or 30% tariff rate but most audio components are dutied at anywhere from 10 - 30% depending on the type of component.

And here's the simple formula for calculating the expected amount of duty and VAT applicable.

Import Duty = CIF (sum of cost of goods, insurance and shipping) x 30 or 10% whichever applicable.

VAT = (CIF + import duty) x 7%