Thailand Approves New E-Commerce Import Duties Up to 30%

The Thai Cabinet has officially approved a new regulatory measure allowing the Customs Department to impose import duties on e-commerce goods at a maximum rate of 30%. According to Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, this policy is designed to foster fair competition for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to reduce instances of under-declaration of goods. The government projects that this adjustment will generate approximately 6.3 billion baht in additional state revenue. The new measure is scheduled to take effect at the beginning of 2027. For residents and frequent online shoppers in Thailand, this change may lead to higher costs for imported goods purchased through international e-commerce platforms. While the policy aims to level the playing field for domestic businesses, the specific implementation details regarding which product categories will be subject to the full 30% rate remain to be confirmed by the Customs Department. As the start date approaches, consumers should monitor official announcements to understand how these changes might impact their personal import expenses.