Importing a Used Excavator to Thailand: Duty, BOI and the 10-Year Rule

Yes. Thailand has no blanket ban on used construction machinery. The core is BOI Announcement 6/2558's age tiers: under 5 years gets duty exemption and counts as investment; 5–10 years is importable but not counted; over 10 years is still importable, just without exemption and needing a performance certificate.

On duty, excavators usually attract a lower import rate plus 7% VAT; under a BOI project within 5 years you can apply for exemption. Clearance needs invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (FORM E lowers China–ASEAN duty) and a performance certificate when over-age.

Timeline: roughly 1–2 weeks sea freight from China, 3–7 days clearance. We quote DDP landed — freight, customs, duty and inland transport in one number — and hand over only after acceptance at our Bangkok showroom.

Tip: BOI enterprises should favour under-5-year units to calculate the exemption; ordinary buyers have a far wider age window and should focus on hours and condition. Every listing shows its year.