Navigating Customs Clearance for IT Equipment In Thailand
Thailand’s customs procedures challenge many technology importers, leading to delays in clearance. And that’s why Thailand highly recommends legally certified third-party IORs when importing IT equipment into the country.
Let’s discuss IT import requirements in Thailand and how an IOR can help navigate it for a timely yet compliant import transaction.
Understanding Thailand’s Customs Procedures
Thailand has implemented various schemes to draw foreign investors into the country, including:
- Duty incentives under the Board of Investments
- Free Zones privileges, and,
- Duty drawback schemes
However, most investors find the country’s market entry complex due to:
- Varied import regulations enacted in multiple legislations
- Numerous government agencies involved in the customs procedures
- Time-consuming post-clearance audits and investigations
- Adverse consequences for non-compliance
IT Equipment Importation Challenges in Thailand
As a result of the complex customs procedures, most importers fall for non-compliance, let go of business opportunities or experience adverse losses. This is due to the following reasons:
- It’s challenging to find out which controls apply to your equipment
- The detailed specifications of IT components challenge accurate HS classification
- In case of false declarations, invasion of customs duties, or import licensing errors, you surrender the goods, or pay a fine based on the value of your goods.
Such challenges necessitate the Thai government recommending legal entities for IT importation.
Import with an IOR
Use our online calculator to see how much it costs to ship to the USA with Blackthorne IT
Why IOR When Importing Technology into Thailand
Here are the three main ways an importer of record can help with customs clearance:
Accurate Classification of IT Equipment
An experienced IOR like Blackthorne has mastered the ASEAN Harmonised Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) 2022 version for accurate classification. This facilitates acquisition of relevant licences, goods valuation, and payment of duties.
Import and Export Licensing
A technology IOR navigates the multiple legislations to identify controls that apply to your equipment and obtains relevant permits to ensure compliance.
Payment of Duties, Taxes and Tariffs
After valuation, an IOR estimates applicable duties and applies relevant customs incentive schemes to increase your profit margins.
Navigate Customs Procedures with Blackthorne IOR
As an import and export licensing consultant, we ensure timely customs clearance and handle any compliance disputes that may arise during customs audit.
Hit that call button or email us to start importing into Thailand.
