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Thailand Import Duties

When moving goods from one country to another, in many cases the country into which the item is being imported will impose a duty, which must be paid prior to the item being admitted. Under Thai customs regulations there are certain items that are dutiable particularly with luxury goods or on anything which can be manufactured in Thailand. The circumstances of the import, the amount being imported, as well as documentation are all taken into consideration when calculating import duty.
  1. Determining the Value of Dutiable Goods

    • The value is determined normally by the transaction value (the price actually paid for imported goods). When this is not possible other determining factors include: The transaction value of identical goods, the transaction value of similar goods, the deductive value (the sale price of the goods in Thailand adjusted for costs incurred after shipment) and the computed value (this is the "value based on cost of production, general expenses and profits in the country of origin with relation to the imported goods"). A final value assessment is called the fall back value where the value is determined by customs based on a flexible interpretation of the other methods.

    Removal Goods

    • Household items which are being imported as part of a permanent move can be imported in one shipment duty free. To qualify for this, the goods must be imported no earlier than one month prior to arrival and no later than six months after the arrival of the importer. Copies of all relevant documents including passport, visa and work permit should accompany the shipment.

    New Items

    • New items imported into Thailand are subject to import duty depending on the item. For example new furniture is subject to a duty of 71 percent of the CIF (cost insurance and freight) value.

    Motor Vehicles

    • Motor vehicle includes automobiles and motorcycles. These are dutiable items, whether new or old. Applicants must receive permission from the Ministry of Commerce prior to importing a vehicle. Automobiles up 2400 cc have a duty of 137 percent CIF value. Automobiles over 2400 cc have a duty of 210 percent of CIF value. Motorcycles have a duty of 72 percent of the CIF value. It is possible for diplomatic organizations to bring vehicles in duty free.

    Other Vehicles

    • Other vehicles such as bicycles are not subject to duty provided that they are over six months old. Vehicles such as water vehicles are dutiable depending on the type and size of vehicle.

    Alcohol

    • Alcohol is subject to duty of 60 percent. This is excluding the duty free allowance of one liter of spirits.

    Food

    • Food imported is subject to a duty of 72 percent. This applies to anything imported in tins as well.

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