Like many others here, I've ordered stuff from China, it's been delivered without a hitch and I've never had any issue with import duty. All the packages were small though.

I'm now thinking about an electric bike project and cannot source the bits I need in Thailand.

The parts are available in China, but are going to be bulky.

Has anyone got any experience of doing something similar and what kind of duty should I expect to pay?

I realise this is Thailand and YMMV, but would be grateful for anyone's thoughts on this.

The customs database should lead you to duty rates, if you can find the correct tariff code http://igtf.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp

You will not be able to utilise the China / Thailand FTA.

Discuss with your supplier how to describe the goods and what tariff code to use, I got a bike motor from China which the supplier described as 'gearbox', lower duty and the couriers apparently don't like motors.

Expect 15% - 30% duty plus 7% VAT (both on the CIF value).

Whatever you do, ensure that the supplier puts something as the tariff code, leaving DHL or the like to decide is invariably financially fatal

Thanks, I've had an unpleasant experience with DHL before.

I checked the link and using bicycle parts, which seems appropriate, it comes up as exempt under the China free trade agreement.

Does this sound about right and possible?

I checked the link and using bicycle parts, which seems appropriate, it comes up as exempt under the China free trade agreement.

Does this sound about right and possible?

I read that you need an permit to make use of the FTA and as a private person its almost impossible to get such a permit. So no not possible (that is what i read anyway)

http://www.dutycalculator.com/

http://www.dutycalculator.com/

Thank you