That phone case, pair of sunglasses or set of earbuds you order from an overseas shopping app is about to cost more. On 10 November 2026 Thailand's Cabinet approved a Finance Ministry plan to charge import duty on goods bought through e-commerce platforms abroad at the full rate set in the customs tariff, capped at 30 percent, instead of the reduced or zero rates many of these parcels pay today.

The change covers goods arriving by express courier and by international post, and goods released from the e-commerce duty-free zone. According to the government's announcement, it takes effect 15 days after the Finance Ministry notice is published in the Royal Gazette. That notice has not been published yet; Customs Director-General Phanthong Loykulnanta told reporters he expects the new rates to apply early next year.

Which items go up

Customs stresses that not every parcel will pay 30 percent. Each item pays the legal ceiling for its tariff class, and where that ceiling is lower, such as 25 percent for interchangeable hand tools, the lower figure applies. Anything with a ceiling above 30 percent is capped at 30.

For the most-ordered product groups, Customs gave examples of the jump. Costume jewellery and communication equipment and parts go from 0 to 30 percent. Sunglasses and phone screen protectors rise from 5 to 30 percent. Headphones, speakers, microphones and exercise equipment go from 10 to 30 percent, and women's handbags from 20 to 30 percent. Many clothing lines, including T-shirts, were already at 30 percent and stay there.

Why the government is doing it

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas framed the measure as fairer competition for Thai small businesses, which carry costs for tax, staff, legal compliance and product standards that overseas sellers often avoid. The government also cited safety: some cheap imports, including food and drink, cosmetics, supplements, electronics, power banks and vehicle parts, may not meet Thai standards. Customs will work with the platforms and use their order data for declarations.

The Customs Department estimates the change will raise roughly 6.2 to 6.3 billion baht a year in extra duty. In the last fiscal year, Thai Post reported, parcels brought in 4.8 billion baht in import duty and 3.5 billion baht in VAT, and more than 241 million boxes were shipped directly to Thai consumers.

What it means if you shop online

If you buy small items from overseas sellers, expect higher checkout prices once the Gazette notice takes effect, especially for accessories, gadgets and fitness gear. Clothing that already pays 30 percent should see little change from this measure. Customs says importers who file a normal import declaration can still claim reduced rates or free trade agreement benefits where the conditions are met. MEM will report the start date when the notice is published.