25/02/2024
How do Thai Customs charge on imported postal items and parcels?
Basically when you have things shipped to Thailand, the tariff, duty and tax aren't calculated on only the original cost of the product (a.k.a. the declared value on the invoice). In fact, there're extra costs of shipping and insurance that are taken into account as well.
In theory, an imported item of which the value is under 1,500 THB (not for commercial use or for sale), there will be no tariff/duty charge on that one.
In general, when they do the calculation, the import tariff/duty varies from 0-80% (depending on the type of the item) plus the VAT at 7% on top of the tariff and original price.
Books and some medical equipments are exempted.
*Note that for medical equipments, the duty will be exempted if you can provide them doctor's prescription and a letter stating the reason(s) why you need that equipment for medical use.
Example of the calculation
Let's assume that you order a pair of sneakers from Amazon and its total cost is 60 USD (original price + shipping + insurance costs included).
- Import tariff or duty is 30% = $60*0.30 = $18
- VAT (Value Added Tax) 7% = ($60 + $18)*0.07 = $5.46
So the sub total of the tariff and tax that are charged is $18+$5.46 = $23.46
However, in case Thai Customs decide to open the parcel to do the inspection and find out that the product value is understated, the duty charge can go higher beyond expected. Remember that they don't check every parcel and package but what they normally do is "random check". We can't really tell what standard or judgement they use to calculate the assessed value of each certain item so sometimes it's hard to explain.
Duty rates of main categories
- Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Skincare, Perfume = 30%
- Handbags/Wallets = 20%
- Headphones = 10%
- Eyeglasses/ Sunglasses/ Watches = 5%
**Tips on how to minimize the duty charge when having something shipped to Thailand.
1. If it’s not urgent, use normal/registered post instead of international couriers like DHL or FedEX because by doing so, Thai Customs is less likely to add extra cost on the shipping and there is less chance that they will open the parcel to inspect it.
2. Ask the sender or shipper to write a note stating on the package that the item is a "GIFT".
3. Declare the value of the item on the package lower than the real price to some extent, if possible. Also, write “NO COMMERCIAL VALUE” on the package.
***Where to pay import duty/taxes and what to do to receive your an international parcel?
1. If your get the notification document in green ink number #1: Due amount is stated clearly.
- Go to pay at the certain branch of Thai post office (in your area) stated on the form.
- Bring your ID/passport along with the documents and pay the duty plus 20 THB fee there.
2. If you get the notification document in green ink number #2: No amount stated.
You need to bring your ID/passport along with the document to Postal Customs Service Division at Chaengwattana (Laksi)
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NoFXv4pNwbSzLH1i8?g_st=ic
***Note that for dietary supplement products, if you order in large volume or amount, there's high risk that your package will be held at the Customs and you might ended up paying the duty at the very high rate.
Customs Care Center
The Customs Department, 1, Suntorn Kosa Road, Klong Toey, Bangkok, 10110
Fax : +66-2667-7767
E-mail : [email protected]
Call Center : 1164
General guideline and Importation Policy
https://www.customs.go.th/list_strc_simple_neted.php?ini_content=individual_160503_03_160922_01&lang=en&left_menu=menu_individual_submenu_01_160421_02
Check the rates Import tariff rates by different categories here by using the keyword of product http://itd.customs.go.th/igtf/en/main_frame.jsp
