BANGKOK: The Customs Department is considering raising the punishment for those who understate the declared prices of imported goods, with a potential fine of 10 times the value of the goods plus duties, up from four times at present.
Apart from increasing the fine, the department would block those who understate import prices from the customs clearance process and revoke their licence as customs brokers, said director-general Kulit Sombatsiri. Hong Kong and Singapore, for instance, have set fines of up to 10 times the value of understated goods. Although both territories have eased the customs process to make importing and exporting easier, violators face harsh penalties, Mr Kulit said during a meeting with department officials and private sector groups such as the Customs Broker and and Transportation Association of Thailand and the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
The moves are aimed at addressing evasion of customs duties, he said. In order to help customs officials inspecting the understating of imported prices, the Customs Department has issued the information of customs brokers who are at risk of declaring prices lower than they should be. The department will also arrange a price database to reduce relying on customs officials’ discretion in making decisions, with market prices used as a benchmark. Mr Kulit said he has instructed high-ranking officials working at checkpoints nationwide to oversee and prevent their subordinates from getting involved in wrongdoing, adding that they must take responsibility when their staff are found guilty.
