The Customs Department launches “Tariff e-Service,” an online tariff classification analysis service with immediate results. Expected to be operational in August 69.

The Customs Department is preparing to launch a new "Tariff e-Service" system, an electronic system for advance customs tariff classification checks, with real-time status updates and integration with the customs declaration system, reducing time and errors. The system is expected to be operational in August 2569.

May 29, 2569 – Mr. Panthong Loikulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department He presided over the opening of the readiness seminar for implementation. "The new Electronic Tariff Service System (Tariff e-Service)" This initiative aligns with key government policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, focusing on upgrading government services to a "fully digital government" to facilitate citizens and businesses while simultaneously reducing opportunities for corruption. This is achieved through process restructuring to minimize discretionary power by officials. The event took place at meeting room MR210-211, 2nd floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Mr. Panthong Loikulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department revealed that Because interpreting tariff classifications is complex and difficult for businesses to understand, the Customs Department has launched the Tariff e-Service system to provide electronic advance tariff classification rulings and as a database for searching rulings since November 1, 2560.

However, based on past usage, the Customs Department has compiled various problems and limitations of the system in order to improve and develop its operations to truly meet the needs of the private sector and upgrade it to a seamless electronic system. The key improvements over the previous system are as follows:

1. Electronic advance interpretation of customs tariff classifications.

• Get results instantly through the system. The process has changed from sending results by mail to receiving results directly online.
• No registration is required to submit an application. This opens up opportunities for individuals or new businesses that have not yet registered as importers-exporters with the Customs Department to access the system.
• The up-to-date status report allows for monitoring the current status of operations. Furthermore, staff can upload additional supporting information to improve the efficiency and clarity of communication with businesses.
• Linking tariff classification rulings with the customs declaration system allows for the addition of tariff classification interpretation results to the import customs declaration system, facilitating customs clearance and reducing errors in information declaration by businesses.

2. Improve the system for searching customs tariff rulings.

• Easier searching: You can now search using product characteristics or other important information immediately.
• Linked from all databases: Links to the World Customs Organization (WCO) rulings database.
  Appeal rulings include rulings on advance customs tariffs.
• Displays information on prohibited and restricted goods: This section displays information specifically on controlled or prohibited goods under five laws: the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535 (1992), the Weapons Control Act B.E. 2530 (1987), the Narcotics Code B.E. 2564 (2021), the Plant Variety Act B.E. 2518 (1975), and related Ministry of Commerce announcements. This aims to help reduce errors in customs clearance procedures.

"This system will allow the general public to apply for and search for customs tariff classifications in advance online, determining which tariff classification their goods fall under, the tax rate, and which agencies require permission. Decisions from this system will be legally binding for up to 3 years, a change from the previous system which was only available to businesses."

This This development and improvement of the electronic customs tariff service system, Tariff e-Service, aims to... This marks a significant step in the Customs Department's digital transformation, aiming to enhance service convenience, speed, and transparency. This will not only help businesses plan costs and mitigate risks effectively and maximize benefits, but also reduce errors and processing times in customs procedures, and encourage compliance with the law, ultimately boosting the country's competitiveness in the global marketplace.

“In the past, customs tariff classifications were difficult and complex, leading to interpretations and discretionary power, which could result in bribery. This new system will promote transparency, eliminate face-to-face interactions between officials and service recipients, reduce disputes, and ensure consistent decision-making nationwide. Currently, Thailand has approximately 21,000 customs tariff classifications, of which 9,400 require permits from 23 agencies. We have already linked this data through the National Single Window system.”

Mr. Panthong further revealed that, for the overall revenue collection in 2569, if we include taxes collected by the department on behalf of other agencies, such as Value Added Tax (VAT), excise tax, and taxes for the Ministry of Interior, it is expected to exceed 600,000 million baht, higher than the 590,000 million baht achieved in 2568.

The main factor is the growth in value-added tax (VAT) collection, which is driven by increased imports. However, direct import duty collection is trending downwards, currently at around 7% of the estimated figure, due to the impact of free trade agreements (FTAs) with various countries and the policy of exempting electric vehicles (EVs) from import duties at 0%.

Furthermore, Thailand's overall imports and exports continue to expand, particularly the utilization of BOI benefits, which increased by over 35% in the past seven months. This growth is primarily driven by the AI, data center, electronic device, circuit board, and computer equipment sectors.

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