Advice centre launched for importers

       The customs department has launched a new service to provide advice to importers about customs procedures and tariff rates.
       The new "Customs Clinic" advisory programme is part of a broader policy to move the department away from merely collecting taxes towards facilitating trade, said Pradit Phataraprasit, a deputy finance minister.
       The role of customs as a revenue source will decline steadily thanks to trade liberalisation under commitments made to the World Trade Organisation and Asean Free Trade Area, he said.
       "With over 70% of Thailand's gross domestic product generated by foreign trade, the Customs Department can do a lot to help businesses operate more efficiently and help Thailand become a more competitive manufacturing base,as well as helping to accelerate economic recovery," he said.
       More than 40 experts will man the clinic to answer questions about customs procedures. Most questions should be answered within three days, or five days for more technical queries which require consulting with other agencies.
       Questions regarding tariff classifications or price calculations will be answered within 60 days.
       Advice offered through the clinic may not be legally binding, however, said Customs director-general Wisudhi Srisuphan. But the department would aim to give the best advice to importers on how best to manage their tax liabilities.
       "Some of the queries we expect may be quite technical, and require additional input from bodies such as the World Customs Organisation," he said."We are concerned that if advice was made binding, officials may be more reluctant (to give advice) than otherwise."
       Mr Wisudhi said the clinic has already received 171 queries since its trials began in August. Most questions were related to customs formalities, tariffs, prices and banned items.
       The clinic can be reached at 02667 7880-4, by email at customs_clinic@customs.go.th or at customs offices nationwide.