So I bought something in the U.K. (a starter motor for a car) that was 150 GBP. After sitting in BKK for almost 3 weeks being assessed, I was asked to prove how much I paid for it, why I bought. I did. So the import duty is 5,250 Baht (102 GBP).

Does that seem normal to anybody: a 7,500 baht item with a import duty of 5,250 baht?

Do I just suck it up and not import ever again?

You have basically two choices. Pay what they are asking or forget it and walk away. I had a friend who tried to argue the same thing even though he was advised against it but he wouldn't listen. People may have experience that says otherwise. The way I would look at it is. Do I need the starter motor ? If yes then bite the bullet and pay the money. You can always come back here and have a good moan about it but at least you will have your starter motor

Attitude adjustment.

Yeah, since the big name worldwide parcel company hands it over to the carrier, its already imported right?

My attitude is just fine, I can bend over and take. (moan)

I was just curious.

Tax is calculated on price of the item and shipping cost So you have to look at that too.

 

Tax is calculated on price of the item and shipping cost So you have to look at that too.

 

Thanx, I did not know that.

Yeah, since the big name worldwide parcel company hands it over to the carrier, its already imported right? My attitude is just fine, I can bend over and take. (moan) I was just curious.

I was just pulling your leg.

 

Yeah, since the big name worldwide parcel company hands it over to the carrier, its already imported right? My attitude is just fine, I can bend over and take. (moan) I was just curious.

I was just pulling your leg.

 

Nothing surprises me much here these days. I bet the package gets delivered (shortly) and its all smashed up too. (all smiles)

Ask your Customs agent what is the current tariff for HS Code 8511.40.32, which is what I think starter motors come under. It used to be 35% of CIF Value and then there is 7% VAT on that as well.

 

Ask your Customs agent what is the current tariff for HS Code 8511.40.32, which is what I think starter motors come under. It used to be 35% of CIF Value and then there is 7% VAT on that as well.

 

Shipping was 50 GBP, so total was just shy of 200 GBP, I will just assume your correct, then the correct amount is 4,300 baht. Thanks Boksida. I don't feel as cheated. I think I can live with myself. hah

Duty is generally calculated on Cost of item, plus shipping,plus insurance cost, multiplied by import duty plus Vat and any other handling "fees".

Look here:

http://www.dutycalculator.com/

With regards to your question of "disagreeing". there are different procedures, and they are different dependent on whether it came through the mail, by courier or has been imported by other methods.

Tax is calculated on price of the item and shipping cost So you have to look at that too.

+ insurance (even if you didn't insure it) and you have the VAT on top of that.

Many years ago I received a parcel from the USA. Actual value of the goods was US$70 (had an invoice to show for it). If I remember correctly I ended up paying something like $140 being 30% duty.................

Tax is calculated on price of the item and shipping cost So you have to look at that too.

+ insurance (even if you didn't insure it) and you have the VAT on top of that.

Many years ago I received a parcel from the USA. Actual value of the goods was US$70 (had an invoice to show for it). If I remember correctly I ended up paying something like $140 being 30% duty.................

I paid my fair share of duty and got shafted a few times, that is just how it is here. But its common to pay duty over shipping and cost of products and then VAT it happens in all countries.

You probably can't do anything about it. But my impression is that lately UPS and DHL have been tacking on a lot of extra charges that appear to be customs charges, but are in fact just extra charges they are collecting before delivery., They're basically double charging you for the delivery.

You probably can't do anything about it. But my impression is that lately UPS and DHL have been tacking on a lot of extra charges that appear to be customs charges, but are in fact just extra charges they are collecting before delivery., They're basically double charging you for the delivery.

Another possibility is to use EMS for future shipments. Over the years I've gotten over 50 EMS shipments from the USA and out of all those shipments, I've only had to pay customs duty on 1. But with DHL and UPS, every single one over the last year. DHL and UPS are faster, but you pay.

I realise a bit off topic and there is probably not much you can do on the duty.

Was this for a classic car or to replace something that was totally unavailable in Thailand - am intrigued .

If it's the bandits at DHL you're dealing with - make sure they're not charging you 'storage fees' while they arse about for weeks getting something cleared through customs.

They've tried that laughable little number with me on my last imported item.

Edited June 9, 201610 yr by coops

Starters (8511.40) should be 10% duty + 7%VAT.

But, as noted above, this is 10% of CIF (Cost Insurance Freight) so it can soon add up if shipping was expensive.

From here http://igtf.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp

You better take it out quickly because they can charge you for the days your package has been in posession.

I realise a bit off topic and there is probably not much you can do on the duty.

Was this for a classic car or to replace something that was totally unavailable in Thailand - am intrigued .

It is a hi-torque starter for a classic. I have it listed in the 4 sale section here.http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotives-vehicles/cars/1966-7-land-rover-series-2a-109-petrol-2-25l-367722.html

I understand I am asking way way too much, I don't need to sell it. Just maybe some hi-so wants it for their next music video, or some temple would like to display it. :-) I plan to export it soon, and myself if you catch my drift.

I have several used starters lying around with tons of other parts, I could get them rewound, new contacts and stuff but decided- all the hassle for what?.

It got delivered by a private delivery outfit last night, arrived in good shape. whew!

Any rich Chinese around? I bet it is a just as fun to drive as a Ferrari. lol

...considering they are holding all the cards.....do you think they give a hoot...???

...like someone mentioned...unless you can find the category....the code....and show them you know what you are talking about...

...otherwise....especially if it's something they might be interested in...pay up...or kiss it goodbye....???

If someone is interested-

If some of you are interested more:

Tariff code: 000087089990

Tariff rate 30%

Ship Val. 196GBP

Freight 2,300 THB

Ins. 98 THB

Total 12294 THB

Duty 30%

VAT 7%

-

Too sum it up it, it all seems legit and I am the fool.

over and out, and thanks for the quick replies

Looks like it was brought in under the general 'parts' umbrella rather than the detailed 'starter motor' classification

You have basically two choices. Pay what they are asking or forget it and walk away. I had a friend who tried to argue the same thing even though he was advised against it but he wouldn't listen. People may have experience that says otherwise. The way I would look at it is. Do I need the starter motor ? If yes then bite the bullet and pay the money. You can always come back here and have a good moan about it but at least you will have your starter motor

It appears you missed the obvious, buy it here. If it is not available here or the cost here is more than the GBP150 + 102--plus shipping costs and waiting time--then try Singapore. I find that goods from SEA are charged a lesser duty than those from Europe or the US.

I realise a bit off topic and there is probably not much you can do on the duty.

Was this for a classic car or to replace something that was totally unavailable in Thailand - am intrigued .

I understand I am asking way way too much, I don't need to sell it. Just maybe some hi-so wants it for their next music video, or some temple would like to display it. :-) I plan to export it soon, and myself if you catch my drift.

3,000,000 baht for a Landrover !!!!!!

And you're complaining about customs overcharging !!!!

I suspect you left your finger on the '0' once too many.

Ask your Customs agent what is the current tariff for HS Code 8511.40.32, which is what I think starter motors come under. It used to be 35% of CIF Value and then there is 7% VAT on that as well.

Ha Ha,

I import regularly. The VAT has never been 7%, as it should be. It is always nearer 20 %. When I question it at my local Post office, they say, "if you want your parcel, you must pay, up to you. When I ask for a photo copy, "we don't have a copier. When I ask for receipt, "don't have" !!!!!

I realise a bit off topic and there is probably not much you can do on the duty.

Was this for a classic car or to replace something that was totally unavailable in Thailand - am intrigued .

It is a hi-torque starter for a classic. I have it listed in the 4 sale section here.http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotives-vehicles/cars/1966-7-land-rover-series-2a-109-petrol-2-25l-367722.html

I understand I am asking way way too much, I don't need to sell it. Just maybe some hi-so wants it for their next music video, or some temple would like to display it. :-) I plan to export it soon, and myself if you catch my drift.

I have several used starters lying around with tons of other parts, I could get them rewound, new contacts and stuff but decided- all the hassle for what?.

It got delivered by a private delivery outfit last night, arrived in good shape. whew!

Any rich Chinese around? I bet it is a just as fun to drive as a Ferrari. lol

Wow

I have some friends back in the UK who are obsessed with classic Land Rovers - series I - and I can understand that - some of the first models - they go for less than a third of the price you are asking.

I can understand the passion for classic cars - think you might be a little bit optimistic on the asking price for a IIA in the Asian market

The duty percentages on certain items are so bloody ridiculous that it is cheaper to have it sent to Kuala Lumpur (not duty/VAT/GST), Singapore or Hong Kong and carry it back in your luggage. Taking the time you waste to go down at the customs house (Klong Toey port or Swampy), deal with those nose-poking ignorants and get excited justifies the trip out of the country.

Alternatively, done twice in my case, I refused acceptance of duty and tax (99% on a coffee machine sent as a gift by my sister) and told them straight into their face that I pay 20% and that's it OR the machine goes back to Europe. They opted for returning the machine which made it there six months later. I picked it up on my next trip and carried in my luggage. At arrival customs they asked, I told them its a coffee machine, for who, for me - done!

It's like anything else here, ridiculously high tariffs so the officers have space to earn their bribes

ah I see where this is going. ;o I thought I was done here.

I don't want to sell, and I laugh at myself daily.

http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1963-land-rover-series-2a-109-pickup/

That is one that does not have original engine.... plus power steering???

If I wanted to sell, I would price it accordingly. I understand the price is a joke! I even laugh about it in my sleep.

Hope everyone is enlightened.

I realise a bit off topic and there is probably not much you can do on the duty.

Was this for a classic car or to replace something that was totally unavailable in Thailand - am intrigued .

It is a hi-torque starter for a classic. I have it listed in the 4 sale section here.http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotives-vehicles/cars/1966-7-land-rover-series-2a-109-petrol-2-25l-367722.html

I understand I am asking way way too much, I don't need to sell it. Just maybe some hi-so wants it for their next music video, or some temple would like to display it. :-) I plan to export it soon, and myself if you catch my drift.

I have several used starters lying around with tons of other parts, I could get them rewound, new contacts and stuff but decided- all the hassle for what?.

It got delivered by a private delivery outfit last night, arrived in good shape. whew!

Any rich Chinese around? I bet it is a just as fun to drive as a Ferrari. lol

You mean 300,000 baht? If not, do not complain about high tariff costs. You want for your Landi 3 Mill. Baht and are not even able to make decent photos ....... cheap