Importing a survival spear into Thailand

[seongjun]

Hi, I needed some help on this issue.

I was looking at the customs regulation website and noticed that weapons are resitricted goods and needed to find out if this would pass customs when I ordered it online.

https://www.budk.com/product/M48-Kommando-Talon-Survival-Spear/productVariantId/166435/175035.uts

I really want to get this since I can't find any places selling it in Thailand or if anyone do please tell me where T__T

So anyone can tell me if it would pass? how much would I have to pay in taxes or is there more I need to get like proper licensing or?

yeah I have never done this before so I just need a run down of everything.

Thank you for any and all information!

[Jerry Cornelius]

Hi, I needed some help on this issue.

I was looking at the customs regulation website and noticed that weapons are resitricted goods and needed to find out if this would pass customs when I ordered it online.

https://www.budk.com/product/M48-Kommando-Talon-Survival-Spear/productVariantId/166435/175035.uts

I really want to get this since I can't find any places selling it in Thailand or if anyone do please tell me where T__T

So anyone can tell me if it would pass? how much would I have to pay in taxes or is there more I need to get like proper licensing or?

yeah I have never done this before so I just need a run down of everything.

Thank you for any and all information!

o.k. I'll ask.

What predicament are you planning to be in that you would need a survival spear?:

I will also ask where this predicament is expected to arise?

Just so I can stay far away.

Jerry

[seongjun]

Ah, I just like sharp metal work and collect them from time to time.

Usually things either catch my or don't so yeah. Once they do though I usually just try to at the very least try to get it.

As for the predicament? Well I hope I never actually need the sharp end for anything and just kee the sheath that comes with it to good use for a long time.

If it does it will most likely be against a robber / home invader.

Well thanks for the reply anyways Jerry

[Jerry Cornelius]

Ah, I just like sharp metal work and collect them from time to time.

Usually things either catch my or don't so yeah. Once they do though I usually just try to at the very least try to get it.

As for the predicament? Well I hope I never actually need the sharp end for anything and just kee the sheath that comes with it to good use for a long time.

If it does it will most likely be against a robber / home invader.

Well thanks for the reply anyways Jerry

There's nothing wrong in collectng anything in order to appreciate it's form or functionality. It's just that for some, items it's the attraction to use that can be questionable.

If I was able to, I would collect one or two propellant based items to show here.

Regarding your spear, it would be easy to break the item down to a shaft and blade(s) and ship them seperately.

As far as I'm aware, there's no restriction on the import of knives here. I have brought in a few items that could fall into a dangerous (item) category without any drama. After all, you could make that spear with a bamboo pole and a kitchen knife from Makro, or buy a machette from a local hardware store.

Given it a try. If you lose it, it won't bankrupt you.

Jerry

[seongjun]

There's nothing wrong in collectng anything in order to appreciate it's form or functionality. It's just that for some, items it's the attraction to use that can be questionable.

If I was able to, I would collect one or two propellant based items to show here.

Regarding your spear, it would be easy to break the item down to a shaft and blade(s) and ship them seperately.

As far as I'm aware, there's no restriction on the import of knives here. I have brought in a few items that could fall into a dangerous (item) category without any drama. After all, you could make that spear with a bamboo pole and a kitchen knife from Makro, or buy a machette from a local hardware store.

Given it a try. If you lose it, it won't bankrupt you.

Jerry

True, but I don't think the online store I am purchasing this from will ship them seperately.

As for making an improvised weapon, yeah I can definately see that.

Right, I am going to go ahead an place an order for one which rounds up to 6,700 baht.

They will give me a call or some kind of notice about it being seized right?

[Jerry Cornelius]

They will give me a call or some kind of notice about it being seized right?

To be honest, I don't really know the definitive answer to that question (or even if there is one).

It should be delivered to the stated address (maybe with a request to pay import duty). If it doesn't arive the onus tends to be on you to push for the location of the item.

My experience has been that it is better to ship items by post, rather than using established couriers like FedEx.

Jerry

[seongjun]

To be honest, I don't really know the definitive answer to that question (or even if there is one).

It should be delivered to the stated address (maybe with a request to pay import duty). If it doesn't arive the onus tends to be on you to push for the location of the item.

My experience has been that it is better to ship items by post, rather than using established couriers like FedEx.

Jerry

Drat I see. I suppose I'll just have to keep looking at the Tracker to make sure they say its arrived or something close to that estimate.

The site I am ordering the product from says they use UPS or USPS. Did you experience any trouble when trying to have things sent over through that courier?

This is really for sate my own curiosity, but why is post better than the established couriers? Does it have anything to do with their abiddance of policies or am I missing something?

Well purchase made and now fingers crossed.

[Jerry Cornelius]

To be honest, I don't really know the definitive answer to that question (or even if there is one).

It should be delivered to the stated address (maybe with a request to pay import duty). If it doesn't arive the onus tends to be on you to push for the location of the item.

My experience has been that it is better to ship items by post, rather than using established couriers like FedEx.

Jerry

Drat I see. I suppose I'll just have to keep looking at the Tracker to make sure they say its arrived or something close to that estimate.

The site I am ordering the product from says they use UPS or USPS. Did you experience any trouble when trying to have things sent over through that courier?

This is really for sate my own curiosity, but why is post better than the established couriers? Does it have anything to do with their abiddance of policies or am I missing something?

Well purchase made and now fingers crossed.

the

For some reason standard post seems to clear customs with less drama and fewer requests for import duties. This happens with post from different countries.

I've put it down to different operating procedures between state and privately run companies

I hope your goods arrive without issues. Enjoy your purchase.

Jerry

[seongjun]

Thanks Jerry, I'll keep you updated on how things go and for everyone elses benefits the hoops I may or may not have to jump through to get my spear.

[seongjun]

UPDATE:

Well the item has arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport via DHL.

The Item is currently being kept by customs as they have deemed the item as a weapon, which is not surprising.

At the moment I have been referred by the customs agent to get an importer license in order to release my order.

Can't say anything I haven't expected to happen, although the customs agents guess on how long the license will take did surprise me a little. Saying that it might take up to 2-3 monthes.

Anyone ever have to get an import license and if so could you share a way to either speed up the process in anyway or talk me through the process and what I will need when I first go in?

I would rather not make multiple trips back and forth if at all possible.

Thank you for all and any answers

[impulse]

If you're in BKK, you can avoid the hassles of importing a spear by pointing your GPS to Chinatown:

13 44 38.89, 100 30 22.57

Walk up and down that alley and you can find pointy weapons that make the survival spear look quite quaint.

Don't buy the first one you see. The next guy (or the next 5 guys) will have something even more menacing.

Good luck with your customs problem.

[mogandave]

Chinatown sounds like a great idea.

As far as the one at the airport, fugetaboutit

[Naam]

i think owning a survival spear in Thailand is of paramount importance and i can't imagine how people can live and survive without one. personally i would be completely lost without mine.

[mogandave]

Yes, but it woudl be all but useless without the black helmet and darth-vader outfit...

[p_brownstone]

UPDATE:

Well the item has arrived at Suvarnabhumi International Airport via DHL.

The Item is currently being kept by customs as they have deemed the item as a weapon, which is not surprising.

At the moment I have been referred by the customs agent to get an importer license in order to release my order.

Can't say anything I haven't expected to happen, although the customs agents guess on how long the license will take did surprise me a little. Saying that it might take up to 2-3 monthes.

Anyone ever have to get an import license and if so could you share a way to either speed up the process in anyway or talk me through the process and what I will need when I first go in?

I would rather not make multiple trips back and forth if at all possible.

Thank you for all and any answers

You should also bear in mind that you will be charged daily Storage Charges by the Thai Customs Department until such time as you have the proper documentation / licences to allow them to Clear it.

No idea what that Charge may be for your particular item but I am often charged up to Baht 200 per day - plus VAT (after the usual free Demurrage period allowed by the Carrier).

If you have to wait 2 - 3 months ........

Patrick

[impulse]

I'm no expert, but I'd just give up the $70 item, apologize for not realizing I was trying to import a weapon illegally, promise to never do it again, and move on.

This could take a pretty sorrowful turn for you if you get a different customs agent next time you head down to Swampy.

[seongjun]

Ah ok, do they charge weekends as well? I mean its not like I can really do anything during the weekends specially when I just got notice yesterday that my item was being held up at the customs.

Also I am getting mixed messages from the authroities as some say it should be ok to clear others are saying its not. @__@ anyways the offices are closed now so there is no one else I can talk to until monday.

[mogandave]

Jut go down there and tell them you didn't know, and tell them they can have it.

[phuketjock]

Jut go down there and tell them you didn't know, and tell them they can have it.

Or if your donation to the customs charity Sonkran ball is large enough you could probably clear

everything up in 2-3 minutes.

[seongjun]

UPDATE:

I have been talking to the authorities thus far as well as DHL Custom agents.

At the moment it seems my item was cleared to the point of where DHL is in possession of it, but are not allowed to ship to my home.

They have told me I require an import license to which they are in progress of getting me the information by email.

As for the item being charged the Customs Agencies storage fees, I made the smart move of pre-paying my customs and regulations which passed my item into DHL's storage. So far the item has been in lockdown for the past 10 days and my bill is currently at 100 baht. From what the representive told me due to my item not exceeding 4 kilograms my charges are minimal.

Will continue to update as time continues.

[mogandave]

Good luck with the licence, I hope it works out.

Did you get the mask and ninja suit that went with it?

[seongjun]

Thanks, and Nah I have my own plans to make a custom mask, though that is a long term project of mine.

While the ninja suit or the anti-riot outfit? Ehhh... I think if I did get it the Customs Agency would just have more reasons not to let my item through. XD

[impulse]

Thanks, and Nah I have my own plans to make a custom mask, though that is a long term project of mine.

While the ninja suit or the anti-riot outfit? Ehhh... I think if I did get it the Customs Agency would just have more reasons not to let my item through. XD

I dare you to wear it when you go down to pick up your prize.

[mogandave]

No, wait until you get it, then go back out to the car and change into the Ninja suit and mask, then come back in with it and demand a refund!

[seongjun]

Ok, its been a while since I posted, but good news~ I did manage to get my spear through customs legitimately without greasing of palms.

As such here is some things to help other members of the board if they are planning to import restricted items.

Before you import here are a few things that need to be done.

1. You want someone who can read and write thai fluently. If you can't find someone and you are aleast able to fluently speak thai that works too, but will be slightly more frustrating.

2. In the case you can find someone, utilizing their help translate your items description, details, cost, uses, and the material it is made of into Thai. Alternatively, print out a description of it and it helps to include some pictures.

3. Photocopy your passport, ID, and other identifying documentation and take it to the Defense Industrial Department. They are located close to the Keak Kai crossroad (4 yaak keak kai).

Simple way to get there? Go to the Bang Sue MRT station and out of Exit 1. Once out flag down a motorcycle and tell them 4 yaak keak kai and they will know the way. It should only cost you 40 baht.

4. Once you arrive at the crossroad, you will see the overhead walkway. Head up the walk way and look around the crossroad. Once you spot the large sign that literally says 'Defense Industrial Department' head on over to the building behind the sign.

5. As you get into the building turn left and ask the uniformed officers at the counter to your right about your item about how to get a import license for the item or a (Bai Annu Yaat). If you are fluent in Thai this shouldn't take long. If you are not fluent in Thai bring someone with you as the lower ranking officers have almost no english skills to speak of.

6. Once you have found the person you can talk to about your item, they will guide you through the needed documentation and what else you need to include to get your license. Once you have provided all of the required paperwork and they will give you your import license which is one time use I believe you can now safely order your item. This process will take maybe 1-3 weeks depending on how much work they have to process.

=Important= If you can prepay any of the customs and import taxes through your shipping service do so. As this will get the item out of the clutches of the Thailand Customs Services and into the storage facilities of your shipping service who will charge you little to nothing for storage fees if complications arise. My spear was stuck with them a MONTH and once I had my shipping license they just took the cost out of my prepaid customs and import tax.

7. Once it reaches the country do not wait for the service to call you. They NEVER will, you will need to keep a close eye on the items tracking number. Make sure you jump on the first chance you get to talk to your shipping service once your item reaches Thailand, be it DHL or Fedex. Once you have established contact, tell them your tracking number, and have them send you a messenger to collect the one time use import license. They might also ask you to email the documents as well to expediate the process so make sure to borrow a neighbors scanner. Once you have passed on your documentation wait for your item to be released and sent to your mailing address.

8. Once it reaches your home, check for defects, wear and tear, basically just give it a good quality control check up before letting out a sigh of relief. Since this will be the only window for you to send this item back and have it shipped in again in case of problems. During this time make sure to talk to the shipping service and have them note it down. That or constantly remind them at the same time every week for 5 minutes again and again until the item has come back.

Alrighty, thats about it hope this helps others.

Oh and just in case anyone is wondering the spear came in very good condition.

As for the dare I chickened out I wanted my spear darn it!

[roadrunerboi]

Congrats!

[Mrjlh]

Want one that bad just go to China Town in Bangkok. You'll find one or even a better one....and cheaper.