Import used tools

[itsari]

Hi , I was wanting to know what the import duties are for importing second hand carpentry tools into Thailand .

[kaptainrob]

As tourist or Non-Immigrant? AFAIK the latter may import used household goods [incl. hobby equipment] without duty.

[itsari]

As tourist or Non-Immigrant? AFAIK the latter may import used household goods [incl. hobby equipment] without duty.

Thank you for the reply Kaptainrob . I plan to enter Thailand with a tourist visa in August and change to a non immigrant O visa at the Chiang Mai emmigration office . I understand that it is possible to have personal affects duty free . It is more the timing of the visa and when i can organise the shipment . With that in mind i considered just shipping the tools and pay the duty if it was a reasonable cost .

[Gonsalviz]

As tourist or Non-Immigrant? AFAIK the latter may import used household goods [incl. hobby equipment] without duty.

Not if customs is feeling spunky.

[Puwa]

Duty is calculated as a percentage of the estimated value of the goods + cost of shipping. Your own valuation as entered on the customs form may be challenged and revised by Customs, especially if you give a very low number. The percentage varies. I know from experience that most car parts are taxed at 30%. Customs actually has a huge book which lists all kinds of items in different categories with the duty for each.

Although you may get lucky, in general you should expect to pay the duty.

In theory it may be possible to import household goods as a one-time shipment without paying any duty at all, but I don't know how or if that works in reality.

[noendtoit]

Also, "tools" may not qualify as "personal items" for import duty free. When I brought in my personal items (Including a LOT of tools) I was advised, by a professional advisor, NOT to list the tools as tools, but list them in a catchall like "and other personal items" or something like that.

If you want to avoid import duty, you can send them by post, though shipping will be expensive due to weight.

BTW, it is not just huge book that Thai Customs uses. Every item has an HS ("harmonized system") code, which is the same the world over. You can find the Thai import tariff for anything using the same data base used by Thai Customs: http://igtf.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp

It is a little complicated finding you way through it and you might have to search in many different ways, but it is all there and you can find it if you are patient and persistent.

Edited July 27, 2014 by noendtoit

[Pond Life]

I brought a large mechanics tool kit into Chiang Mai, air freight.

Also in the shipments was lots of personal effects.

They tried lots of bullshit, but in the end I only paid about 2000 B which they said was the duty on a small ghetto blaster (second hand worth about 2000 .

Its all down to the customs staff on the day.

[itsari]

Thank you for the comments , i have more of an idea what to expect if I send the tools i have to thailand . Second hand tools have no real value here in Norway. In that light it is worth the gamble as just one tool of quality will cost around 25000 baht . Or if you say the total cost of all the tools bought new would be around 200,000 baht with a second hand value of 25,000 baht here in Norway . Shipping to thailand would be 30,000 baht plus the cost of import duties . If one calculates 25 percent tax on 55,000 baht I would say the exercise is worth while . Problem that could occur is the custom staff decide that the tools are worth much more . In other words it is a gamble .

I appreciate the comments that have helped my evaluation on shipping my tools .

[cooked]

I used a shipping agent to bring a small container to my home in Buriram. I was still on my initial 'O' visa at the time, which entitles me to custom free import of household goods within a year of my arrival They obviously didn't look at the nice list of contents that I had made as it contained two large chain saws (basically illegal) as well as a load of second hand carpentry tools. The shipping agent and the customs officer were in collusion and I paid ฿1500.- plus a tip to the guys that arrived here from Bang Na in Buriram at 11.00 pm.

Use a shipping agent, you need one. Copy of email I received:

Thank you for your recent enquiry for your move from Pleigne, Switzerland to Buriram, Thailand. Having looked at your requirements I have based the quotation on the following service:

Service is based on:

ü Collection from your Swiss residence

ü Loading and consolidating in a shared 40 foot shipping container

ü Export customs documentation and freight on board charges

ü Ocean freight and destination agent handling fees

ü Presentation to customs and local authorities for clearance

ü Delivery to residence and placing into relevant rooms.

ü Vehicles will be handed out at agent’s depot.

N.B. If you are packing your own goods you will need to provide customs with a full inventory, please ask me for details.

Volume:

1 cubic meter

Total cost:

£706.00 door to door service, (CHF 1,017.92 at today’s RoE)

Insurance

We can offer you insurance for your consignment, please email me a total value of your goods and I will email a quote by return.

Supply of Boxes and Packing Materials:

We can supply a range of boxes and packing materials prior to your removal. Please ask me for details.

Excludes:

ü Export wrapping and packing service

ü Collection and delivery above 1st floor, unless otherwise stated

ü Heavy lift items - Supply of external lifts, hoists or specialist lifting equipment

ü Stair carry, long carry, elevator fees and poor access/shuttle services

ü Flat pack assembly and tradesman services

ü Charges for examination/inspection, x-ray, hold, demurrage and fumigation

ü Government Taxes and Duties, cargo dues (South Africa only)

ü Quarantine/Agricultural Charges

ü Unpacking on baggage consignments

ü Formal Customs Entry if applicable

ü Storage

Quote is based on good access for a large vehicle at both collection and delivery point (Subject to availability)

Booking:

To reserve the price and confirm availability, all that we need is a £50.00 refundable holding deposit. Even if you do not have an exact moving date as yet, by leaving a deposit this will be reserved until you move.

I will be your move co-ordinator and on hand throughout the process to make sure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

I trust when you read this quote, you, like everyone else may have some questions or simply need some advice on your removal. If so, please either call me on our freephone number 08000 556 331 or email me and I will be happy to help.

Kind Regards,

Lauren Clohessy

International Removal Co-ordinator

Phone: 01543480365

Outside UK: +44 (0) 1543 480 365

Fax: +44 (0) 1543 483 663
email: [email protected]

www.movecorp.co.uk

BAR Approved

Ombudsman Approved

FEDEMAC Federation of European Movers

Continual Quality Monitoring Procedures

Ombudsman Scheme Approved Code of Practice

N.G.R.S. - National Guild of Removers and Storers

Ombudsman Scheme Approved Complaints Procedure

R.O.A.R.S. - Register of Approved Removers and Storers

Vat Registration No: 916745796 Company Reg No: 06231646

[noendtoit]

I also used a shipping agent. It is a good way to go; gets your white inexperienced "fresh meat" face out of the picture.

Also, DO THE RESEARCH. Don't go in their assuming taxes of 25%. You need to KNOW what the tax rate is from the database i gave you above. Knowledge is power. On top of the import duty will be a 7% VAT, port fees, customs fees, etc.

The agent can help minimize some of this, but not the 7% VAT. However, all tax goes down if the agent can negotiate a lower value to the goods.

I was there on a Sunday and wanted to get done and get out of there, so I had to pay a "working on a holiday fee"! It wasn't much.

[Langsuan Man]

Why does this myth that having a Non Immigrant visa entitles anyone to duty free import continue to be posted here at Thai Visa ?

If you didn't get charged then you got lucky, simple, had nothing to do with what type of visa you had. If you imported via a shipping company and you were charged a much smaller amount than you estimated and you didn't receive a receipt then you paid "tea money"

Only returning Thais who are overseas on an employment contract are entitled to duty free importation of their household goods and even that has restrictions

[TobiasML]

Why does this myth that having a Non Immigrant visa entitles anyone to duty free import continue to be posted here at Thai Visa ?

If you didn't get charged then you got lucky, simple, had nothing to do with what type of visa you had. If you imported via a shipping company and you were charged a much smaller amount than you estimated and you didn't receive a receipt then you paid "tea money"

Only returning Thais who are overseas on an employment contract are entitled to duty free importation of their household goods and even that has restrictions

I would not say that it is a myth. You mind find this useful: http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/individuals/importing+used+or+secondhand+household+effects/importingusedsecondhandhouseholdeffects+

[Langsuan Man]

Why does this myth that having a Non Immigrant visa entitles anyone to duty free import continue to be posted here at Thai Visa ?

If you didn't get charged then you got lucky, simple, had nothing to do with what type of visa you had. If you imported via a shipping company and you were charged a much smaller amount than you estimated and you didn't receive a receipt then you paid "tea money"

Only returning Thais who are overseas on an employment contract are entitled to duty free importation of their household goods and even that has restrictions

I would not say that it is a myth. You mind find this useful: http://www.customs.go.th/wps/wcm/connect/custen/individuals/importing+used+or+secondhand+household+effects/importingusedsecondhandhouseholdeffects+

How many expats retiring in Thailand are returning residents, read it carefully:

REQUIREMENTS FOR DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE

Both Thai and non-Thai residents changing residence into Thailand are eligible to bring used/secondhand household effects into Thailand, in reasonable quantities, free of taxes and duties. It is also required that the imported used/ secondhand household effects have been owned, possessed, and used in the country where the importers resided before returning to Thailand to resume residence.

In case where the household effects are electrical appliances e.g. radios, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, ovens, air conditioners, etc., only ONE unit each of such items is eligible for tax and duty free allowance. However, if it is the family change of residence, TWO units each of the items will be allowed to bring in tax and duty free. Any excess unit shall be subject to regular taxes and duties, and Customs will place the items that have the lowest rate of duty under tax and duty exemption.

It is important that the used/secondhand household effects must be imported not earlier than one month before or not later than six months after the arrival of the importers. Under exceptional circumstances, Customs may extend the time limits for the importers.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CHANGING OF RESIDENCE

• Nonresidents: Nonresidents may import the used/secondhand household effects acquired abroad tax and duty free if such household effects accompanied them in the change of residence and they are qualified under the criteria listed below:
• Nonresidents resuming residents in Thailand must be granted a non-immigrant quota as shown in a passport or a Nonresident Identification Card; or
• Nonresidents granted to work in Thailand are regarded as resuming residents in Thailand provided they have a one-year non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department. In case where the non-immigrant visa has not yet been granted, either of the following documents may be accepted:
  • The letter from the Immigration Department certifying that the nonresidents shall be granted an annual temporary stay in Thailand; or
  • The work permit from the Department of Labor to work in Thailand for at least one year.
• Nonresidents entering Thailand as an expert, specialist, or under a contract of government agencies are required to present the letter from relevant agencies certifying that such nonresidents are granted a non-immigrant visa issued by the Immigration Department and shall work in Thailand not less than one year.

Accompanying spouses of the nonresidents in (2) and (3) are regarded as resuming residence in Thailand provided the spouses have non-immigrant visas issued by the Immigration Department to stay in Thailand for the first 90 days.

[noendtoit]

This is what is so disappointing about Thai Visa. You have people trying to help each other. Then some know-it-all (who really knows anything at all) has to weighs in saying what another member has said is a myth and a stupid pissing match ensues.

Obviously Langsuan Man has never taken advantage of the duty free opportunity for used household goods and knows nothing about it. Bickering over a tortured reading of the translation of the laws (from Thai to English) does not change the reality that this opportunity exists for anyone who complies with the requirements.

Thai Visa would be a so much better place if the folks that do not have personal knowledge of a matter would simply butt out and go to another forum to work their magic,

[Dante99]

Have a "returning resident" send them in with their stuff. Thai shipping agents located overseas can do this. The agent arranges it all, they are shipping things for returning residents, add your stuff and some of theirs then split it out after it clears customs in Thailand. No BS, I have done it, delivered to my door in CM, no taxes.

[wayned]

Thailand will access duties depending on the declared value of the equipment, new or used, depending on the HS tariff code assigned . I imported a used John Deere Combine (over 10000 kilos) and was charged 5% duty, per the assigned code, and 7% VAT. You should choose you own import company and customs agent and not rely on the one that the shipper recommends. I used an international company and all charges were understood upfront and there were no plus - plus charges. PM me and I will send the contact info.

Here's a link to the tariff code listing, all 268 pages of it: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/downloads/trade-agreement/thailand/thaitariffschedule.pdf

[Langsuan Man]

This is what is so disappointing about Thai Visa. You have people trying to help each other. Then some know-it-all (who really knows anything at all) has to weighs in saying what another member has said is a myth and a stupid pissing match ensues.

Obviously Langsuan Man has never taken advantage of the duty free opportunity for used household goods and knows nothing about it. Bickering over a tortured reading of the translation of the laws (from Thai to English) does not change the reality that this opportunity exists for anyone who complies with the requirements.

Thai Visa would be a so much better place if the folks that do not have personal knowledge of a matter would simply butt out and go to another forum to work their magic,

I imported half a container of House Hold effects from Germany in 2008 and believe me if I had been able to import them without paying duty I would have

I opted to pay $1,000 without a receipt vice $2,000 for a receipt, since I did not have to pay shipping costs

Even though half of my shipment originated in Thailand before my re-assignment to Germany the customs officer assigned to my shipment could care less if I was bringing back items purchased here

He decided what the duty was going to be and I sure was not about to pay daily storage fees while it was sorted out. My O-A long stay visa also did not mean a thing to him. All he cared about was that he saw the face page in my passport to insure the correct person was receiving the shipment

[sappersrest]

It must be down to luck ,I have an O-A visa obtained in London this year. I sent over to Thailand 40 large boxes full of tools books and household effects, even a wood turning lathe broken down into components, all listed as household goods and tools Had to pay a 200 baht admin fee at the post office.

Delivered door to door using a company call Seven Seas Shipping great service.Hope this is some help.

[noendtoit]

It must be down to luck ,I have an O-A visa obtained in London this year. I sent over to Thailand 40 large boxes full of tools books and household effects, even a wood turning lathe broken down into components, all listed as household goods and tools Had to pay a 200 baht admin fee at the post office.

Delivered door to door using a company call Seven Seas Shipping great service.Hope this is some help.

That was my experience as well (including loads of tools), except I sent it over by air freight (Lynden) and used both an agent and a educated Thai relative. I kept my white face out of sight until it was time to collect the goods.

By the way, my goods were NOT returning to Thailand, and I never claimed they were. They were household goods and tools I purchased over the years while living in the US. I was already married to a Thai woman, got an O-A visa from LA, and brought the goods in on the premise that I would now be living permanently in Thailand with my wife.

It isn't a matter of luck. It is a matter of doing the hard work: Educating oneself and finding the right people to make it happen. You need to know somebody. If you don't know anybody, you need to find somebody. Langsuan man did not do it right and he paid the price. He did not mention using a shipping agent. He probably went in there and figured he could just do it all himself. Big mistake -- and expensive. Fresh meat.

Edited July 28, 2014 by noendtoit

[Langsuan Man]

It must be down to luck ,I have an O-A visa obtained in London this year. I sent over to Thailand 40 large boxes full of tools books and household effects, even a wood turning lathe broken down into components, all listed as household goods and tools Had to pay a 200 baht admin fee at the post office.

Delivered door to door using a company call Seven Seas Shipping great service.Hope this is some help.

That was my experience as well (including loads of tools), except I sent it over by air freight (Lynden) and used both an agent and a educated Thai relative. I kept my white face out of sight until it was time to collect the goods.

By the way, my goods were NOT returning to Thailand, and I never claimed they were. They were household goods and tools I purchased over the years while living in the US. I was already married to a Thai woman, got an O-A visa from LA, and brought the goods in on the premise that I would now be living permanently in Thailand with my wife.

It isn't a matter of luck. It is a matter of doing the hard work: Educating oneself and finding the right people to make it happen. You need to know somebody. If you don't know anybody, you need to find somebody. Langsuan man did not do it right and he paid the price. He did not mention using a shipping agent. He probably went in there and figured he could just do it all himself. Big mistake -- and expensive. Fresh meat.

You just won't let this one die will you ?

I used the shipping company and the clearance agent that is used by the US Embassy and believe me I did study the system carefully before I initiated the shipment. You started with a supposition that only those who have shipped HHG into Thailand should comment in a thread. I satisfied that requirement and now you want to say that I did not use a shipping agent and did it myself. Sorry wrong again

[wayned]

If you are going to ship a large amount of equipment, especially by sea, it is essential that you chose a "reputable" logistic company and clearing agent in Bangkok before you ship and have the shipment consigned to it on all documentation and the MBL has the proper HS classification code on it. If you use the agent that the freight forwarder in your home country recommends you are at risk.

As an example:

I shipped a 40 ft container from the US with a disassembled 10000 kilo combine packed in it. I contacted an international agent with offices in Bangkok and we came to agreement up front what the charges would be, 5% duty and 7% VAT plus port charges and delivery charges (demurrage and detention, if any). I also made sure that the MBL had the proper HS code on it from the US and the internal US shipping, dis-assembly and container packing charges were not on the invoice presented to Thai customs as you will pay duty and VAT on everything on the invoice.. My total cost for customs , port charges, VAT and delivery in Thailand was just a little over 175000 baht. All charges were agreed upon up front with the only additional charges being extra port charges since the shipping line used UNITHAI container terminal in Samat Phrakan, a private terminal, rather than KHLONG TOEY in Bangkok.

The freight forwarder in the US recommended another agent and I contacted them. The first discrepancy was that they said the duties would be 30% and when I asked about other services that I wanted they said that they didn't do that and that they would have to get their "sister company: to do it. If I had used them and paid the 30% duty it would have cost me an additional 248000 baht plus any charges that were levied bu their "sister companies".

As you can see, It pays to do it yourself up front!

[itsari]

I thank all the input on the subject of importing tools . I have come to the conclusion i must contact a agent in Bangkok to have the best possible chance of making the import of my tools a worthwhile exercise . Or in other words less risk of surprises.

Thanks again

[Nigeone]

Hi first post so be kind....I have brought in from Isle of Man via Liverpool via ship delivered to house in Lamphun two lots of belongings including large amounts of carpentry tools on both occasions..The shippers in Liverpool had a Thai shipping agent they worked with and said they never had had a problem..I also listed everything honestly on the paperwork required and it was delivered to the door and unloaded by them about 5 weeks from leaving my front door..great service I thought

First which included approx 25 large crates including routers x 3,Triton bench saw inc extension for sheets ,Record Mortise machine and Dewalt large chop saw stand....All arrived through customs with no tax...

Second included Triton workstands brand new and Dewalt large workshop radial arm saw plus lots of router bits all brand new..Got hit for 3000 bht

but that was as much I felt as a payoff to customs as it was for tax..Overall was pleasantly surprised and happy...I have heard some bad stories though and as someone else mentioned it could be down to time off month or particular customs officers... I would say that it was sent in my wife's name on both occasions and the reason they gave for payment was that they said she had t been out of the country the second time to long..I might have alot of this and more for sale as currently

estranged from me Missus.....don't ask but you all can guess....I have nail guns brand new and large air compressor, mixer, Drill stand, band saw and Planer/thicknesser all as new and workshop quality same as Eletra Beckam....Hope this helps anyone

Edited July 29, 2014 by Nigeone

[noendtoit]

Hi first post so be kind....I have brought in from Isle of Man via Liverpool via ship delivered to house in Lamphun two lots of belongings including large amounts of carpentry tools on both occasions..The shippers in Liverpool had a Thai shipping agent they worked with and said they never had had a problem..I also listed everything honestly on the paperwork required and it was delivered to the door and unloaded by them about 5 weeks from leaving my front door..great service I thought

First which included approx 25 large crates including routers x 3,Triton bench saw inc extension for sheets ,Record Mortise machine and Dewalt large chop saw stand....All arrived through customs with no tax...

Second included Triton workstands brand new and Dewalt large workshop radial arm saw plus lots of router bits all brand new..Got hit for 3000 bht

but that was as much I felt as a payoff to customs as it was for tax..Overall was pleasantly surprised and happy...I have heard some bad stories though and as someone else mentioned it could be down to time off month or particular customs officers... I would say that it was sent in my wife's name on both occasions and the reason they gave for payment was that they said she had t been out of the country the second time to long..I might have alot of this and more for sale as currently

estranged from me Missus.....don't ask but you all can guess....I have nail guns brand new and large air compressor, mixer, Drill stand, band saw and Planer/thicknesser all as new and workshop quality same as Eletra Beckam....Hope this helps anyone

This is quite typical. If you have done your homework, properly prepare and have the right attitude, there is usually not a problem. There is usually a lot more to the story for the folks that have problems.

I have quite a few tools myself, but am still jealous of your prodigious list. I am currently waiting for my Triton TRA001 to arrive from the UK, which I will use with a Kreg table.

[Nigeone]

I have a large list of as new tools including free standing planer thicknesser,free standing band saw, Triton bench and rip saw with extensions for 8 x 4 sheets.

Also large air compressor with 3 new nail guns. Also 1 dewalt radial arm saw free standing large model. large dewalt chop saw stand 2 ttriton routers new along with loads of Trend new router blades including panel molding...Theres 1 pillar drill as new and one record mortiser with assorted bits. 2triton new work stands along with two black and becker work benchs. Heavy duyt tig and acr welder with gas as new only used one day..Also several hand electric tools including dewalt and Mikata saws etc and 7inch grinder. they are all up for sale and I have some pictures but not all till I get to chiang mai on the 30th of this month..am open to offers on all as I need to clear them.They are all very very good workshop quality equipment. I'm sure if you see then you be happy..

contact me on <removed> .......or can ring 00447624303040 or nigelkenneth on facebook...

Some of the pictures or screen grabs from the net as until I get back yo Lamphun I cant get actually pictures..I can garantee the quality and condition as GET IN TOUCH

I said most are brand new and just tested.. I have other items like dewalt laser level and some good levels stabla 6 ft...Trend tenon kit and router stand to fit on Triton saw bench...That all is a great bit of kit..sundry stuff like clamps and off set hole jigs all new...I will sort out a good deal and of course the more thats bought I will do a deal for quantity Have a good new de walt 18v two batteries hammer drill with a right angle drill in the kit as new .Makita 7 inch hand saw and Makita mains drill/hammer .Loads of extras thrown in like air gun couplins and hose

Pass the word around please as I really need to get the stuff moved...wife left and so hence the reason for selling.. would love any assistance any one can give me..

many thanks Guys Nigel Brown

Edited September 16, 2014 by onthedarkside
email removed as per forum rules