Receiving a parcel through DHL

[Mhay21]

I wonder if anyone would be able to give me advice. A gift was sent to us through DHL from home, the contents of this gift includes seasoning, clothing for a child, snacks for the child and some other things. Now the value of this parcel is roughly 6000 THB (if you convert). I received and e-mail from DHL advising us that we have to pay a total of 12700 THB for our GIFT. I am confused as to how they reach this amount? What can I do to get our parcel that is meant to be a gift? When I contact DHL about this then i get told to provide the passport copy to register as an "importer" I am not an "importer". Please if anyone has any advice or can refer me to someone who can help with this situation.

[CharlieH]

Depends entirely on what was stated on the declaration when sent. "and some other things" is of no use whatsoever.

There will always be a "fee" for handling these things in most cases involving a courier.

If you use the forum "search" facility you will find numerous topics on this. example: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/582182-help-how-do-you-solve-irrational-customs-duty-charges/page-2

As a very very rough guide due to lack of information, you have declared value plus postage plus insurance cost plus import duty applicable x VAT plus "fee"

[Crossy]

Couriers, clothing and food = odd customs valuations

Best course of action? Reject the parcel back to the sender and get it re-sent using normal post.

[Isan Farang]

You have just learned not to use a courier to have any personal items shipped to Thailand.

Its a learning curve, the gift part on the declaration means nothing in Thailand. You may need an agent to get the package released and that will also add extra costs.

Send them a mail and ask them to return the package or let them have a free gift.

[ukrules]

I'm pretty sure it will not be returned without significant additional shipping costs if that's even possible.

In my experience (not with DHL) the options will be to pay the fee or have it 'destroyed', sending it back was never an option.