Phantong Loykulnanta, director-general of the department, said the system is to go online in August, allowing exporters, importers and people engaged in international trade to check customs tariff classifications for goods, as well as determine whether import licences are required for those products.
There are roughly 21,000 tariff classifications, of which around 9,400 categories require import licences. Once a tariff classification ruling has been obtained, it is legally binding for three years, reports the Bangkok Post.
A feature of the system is every step is conducted electronically, including searches, status tracking, and the uploading of images and supporting information for product classification verification, Mr Phantong noted.
The service aligns with government efforts to promote a "fully digital government", facilitating convenience for people and businesses while reducing opportunities for corruption by reforming work processes to minimise officials’ discretionary authority as much as possible, he added.
Users receive immediate results directly through the system, replacing the previous practice of sending rulings by mail. No registration is required to apply, meaning individuals and new entrepreneurs who have not registered as importers/exporters with the Customs Department are allowed to use the system.
Users can track the progress of applications in real time. Officials can also upload additional supporting information to improve efficiency and communication clarity with business operators.
The system also connects with classification ruling databases from the World Customs Organization, appeal rulings, and advance tariff classification rulings.
In addition, the system provides information on regulated or prohibited products under the law, such as hazardous substances, narcotics, prohibited plant species, and similar controlled items.
Mr Phantong said the development and enhancement of the tariff e-service will help the department transition to a digital organisation. The initiative aims to improve convenience, speed and transparency for services.
Businesses can accurately plan costs and reduce business risks, while errors and processing time for customs procedures should be cut, he said. The service also encourages legal compliance, which should strengthen the country’s competitiveness in global trade, Mr Phantong said.
To ensure transparency in officials’ operations and reduce conflicts of interest, starting in June the department is issuing an order abolishing reward payments for seizures/arrests for officials at C8 level and above, up to the director-general level.