Includes customs regulations and contact information for this country's customs office.
Last Published: 8/9/2019

Thai Customs Department uses the value of imported goods, as specified by the importers and where the transaction value of the goods can be determined, to value the goods for import tax purposes.  If the value of the goods is debated between parties, or where the price of the goods cannot be used as the basis of a customer’s valuation, Thai Customs will then use the GATT Valuation System (GVS) to determine the value of the goods.  Under the GVS, there are 6 methods in order of relevance to calculate the import duty.  The price specified by the importer is not used as a reference.

  • Method 1:              Transaction Value of the Imported Goods
  • Method 2:              Transaction Value of Identical Goods
  • Method 3:              Transaction Value of Similar Goods
  • Method 4:              Deductive Value
  • Method 5:              Computed Value
  • Method 6:              Fall Back Value

Although the GVS has alleviated many valuation problems, there is some concern among importers regarding its implementation, particularly in intra-company transfers, discounted goods, and promotional items.  Progress has been made in reforming payment procedures and broker licensing, but the process continues to be hampered by considerable paperwork and formalities and lack of coordination between customs and other import regulating agencies.

By nature, regulations at the Customs Department are subjected to frequent changes, which may be difficult for foreigners to observe and follow.  It is highly advisable for foreign exporters to have reliable freight forwarding and Customs Clearing companies representing them in the goods clearing process and customs relations in Thailand.  Detailed information on the customs regulations can be obtained from the Customs Department's website.

In addition to import duties handled by the Customs Department, certain import items are also subject to excise tax.  These include gasoline and products thereof, automobiles (less than 10 seats), electrical appliances, beverages, perfume and cosmetics, yachts and vessels for entertainment, lead crystal and other crystals, carpets and other floor covering materials, motorcycles, batteries, marble and granite, liquor, tobacco, and playing cards.  Excise tax is also imposed on local products in the same categories as well as on certain entertainment service providers such as horse racing grounds/clubs and golf clubs.

Excise tax is calculated on CIF value plus import duty, special fees pursuant to the Investment Promotion Act and any other taxes or fees as prescribed by Royal Decree (Excluding VAT).  Further information on excise taxes can be obtained from the website of the Excise Department, Ministry of Finance.  Import-export statistics and import tax rates can be accessed from the customs website at Thai Customs Department.

Thai Customs Department of Thailand
Soonthornkosa Road, Klongtoey
Bangkok 10110
Tel: 662-667-6000, 667-7000, Call Center: 1164.

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