In short: Each country has a different main hurdle: Vietnam limits used machines, Indonesia requires a licensed importer, and Thailand offers investment promotion.
Laser cutters classify under HS 8456.11 internationally, but national codes and duty rates must be checked with customs. We do not quote duty rates here, because third-party tariff sites disagree and rates change: please verify with customs or a licensed broker.
Start with the HS code
Machine-tools for working any material by removal of material by laser fall under HS heading 8456, and "operated by laser" is subheading 8456.11. That is the same at six-digit level worldwide; Australia's tariff, for example, shows 8456.11.00 (source 1). Beyond six digits each country uses its own codes, and tariff sites do not always agree. Ask your broker to confirm the national code for each item on the invoice, because loaders, chillers, and spare parts can classify differently.
On duty rates, our advice is simple: please verify with customs. We looked at third-party tariff sites while preparing this page and found conflicting figures, so we do not repeat them. Get the rate from the official sources below, in writing from your broker, for your exact code and origin.
Three countries, three different hurdles
| Vietnam | Thailand | Indonesia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main point to check | Age rules for used machines | Investment promotion and exemptions | Importer licence |
| Tariff nomenclature | National code; check VNTR | AHTN 2022 (source 4) | National code; check with customs |
| Duty rate | Please verify with customs | Please verify with customs | Please verify with customs |
| Where to look | Viet Nam National Trade Repository | Thai Customs Department | ASEAN Trade Repository; Indonesian customs |
| New machine | Check customs and conformity documents | Check Customs Tariff Decree exemptions | Importer must hold valid NIB with API |
| Preferential origin | Check the FTA and certificate needed | Check the FTA and certificate needed | Check the FTA and certificate needed |
Summary by Halcyon Laser from the sources below. This is not legal or customs advice.
Vietnam: new is simple, used is regulated
Vietnam's rules for used machinery come from Prime Minister's Decision 18/2019/QD-TTg, amended by Decision 28/2022/QD-TTg. As summarised by a law firm in November 2024, used machines must generally be no more than 10 years old, with some sectors allowed up to 20–25 years (source 2). A machine above the limit may still be imported to serve manufacturing in Vietnam if remaining capacity is at least 85 % of design, consumption is no more than 15 % above design, and the Ministry of Science and Technology approves it (source 2).
Used imports also need an inspection certificate from a licensed organisation (source 2). A buyer considering a second-hand laser should ask what the source's age and hours are, and check these rules early. For a new machine, keep the year of manufacture clear on the documents to avoid questions at customs. The live tariff and measures are on the Viet Nam National Trade Repository (source 3).
Thailand: check promotion before you order
Thailand applies the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature 2022. A US government guide last published in April 2026 says duties are levied on a specific or ad valorem basis, whichever is higher, that applied ad valorem rates range from 0 to 80 %, and that exemptions under the Customs Tariff Decree and FTA rates can lower them (source 4). That range covers all goods, so it says nothing about your machine: check the code.
The same guide lists Board of Investment (BOI) incentives among the customs incentive schemes (source 4). If your project is promoted, or could be, talk to the BOI or your adviser before the machine ships, because exemptions depend on your approved project and are not automatic. Start at the BOI website and the Thai Customs Department.
Indonesia: who imports matters most
Indonesia's import rules were rewritten by Minister of Trade Regulation 16/2025, in force since 30 August 2025. According to a regional law firm, importers must hold a valid business identification number (NIB) registered as API-U or API-P, and API-P holders are restricted from trading or transferring imported goods, with limited exceptions (source 5). Regulation 37/2025 has since amended it: for example, API-P holders can no longer convert back to API-U, and goods imported under an API-P cannot be traded (source 6). Have your adviser check the current text.
In practice, decide who the importer of record is before you sign. A manufacturer with API-P importing for its own factory is a different case from a distributor. Used capital goods have their own rules, so check before you buy second-hand. Ask your broker whether your HS code needs any import permit or surveyor report.
Things that do not depend on the country
- Power: have your electrician confirm voltage, frequency, capacity and stability. A 20–40 kW system needs a dedicated supply; see our guide to power supply and floor space.
- Heat and humidity: confirm the chiller and electrical cabinet are specified for your ambient temperature and humidity.
- Assist gas: check nitrogen supply and purity locally before you plan to rely on it, or compare an on-site compressor (see the gas guide).
- Service: ask who installs, who holds spare parts and how fast they respond (see how to compare after-sales service).
- Steel trade measures: anti-dumping measures on steel affect your material, not usually the machine. See our notes on Vietnam and Malaysia.
Before you sign
- Get the national code and duty rate in writing from a licensed broker.
- Decide the importer of record and confirm the licences.
- Check whether an FTA applies, and which origin certificate you need.
- Check any promotion or exemption before shipping.
- Confirm power, gas, climate and floor plan on site.
- Agree on Incoterm, acceptance test, installation and service in the contract.
Send your parts and site details through our enquiry form. We can provide the commercial documents your broker needs, but the customs classification and duty assessment stay with your broker and customs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a laser cutting machine?
Internationally, machine-tools operated by laser fall under HS 8456.11. Each country adds its own digits, so confirm the national code for your machine with customs or a licensed broker.
What is the import duty on a laser cutter in Vietnam, Thailand or Indonesia?
We do not quote rates, because third-party sites conflict and rates change. Please verify with customs or a licensed broker for your exact code and origin.
Can I import a used laser cutter into Vietnam?
Generally only if it is no more than 10 years old, with sector exceptions and a ministry approval route. An inspection certificate is also needed. Check the current decisions with an adviser.
Who can import a machine into Indonesia?
Importers must hold a valid NIB registered as API-U or API-P under Regulation 16/2025 as amended. API-P holders are restricted from trading imported goods, so decide the importer of record first.
Can BOI promotion reduce import duty in Thailand?
BOI incentives are among Thailand's customs incentive schemes, but they depend on your approved project. Check with the BOI or your adviser before the machine ships.
Sources
- Australian Border Force, Working Tariff, Chapter 84 — used here only to show heading wording for 8456 and subheading 8456.11 — www.abf.gov.au (accessed 2026-11-01)
- Oliver Massmann, Duane Morris Vietnam, “Importing used machines” (5 November 2024) — summary of Decisions 18/2019/QD-TTg and 28/2022/QD-TTg — blogs.duanemorris.com (accessed 2026-11-01)
- Viet Nam National Trade Repository, Ministry of Industry and Trade — vntr.moit.gov.vn (accessed 2026-11-01)
- International Trade Administration (US), “Thailand — Import Tariffs and Customs Regulations” (last published 9 April 2026) — www.trade.gov (accessed 2026-11-01)
- DFDL, “Indonesia: New Import Regulations: Permendag 16/2025 & 22/2025” — www.dfdl.com (accessed 2026-11-01)
- Febri Ariadi, SSEK Law Firm, “Indonesia Updates Its Import Regime: Key Changes Under Minister Of Trade Regulation No. 37 Of 2025” (4 February 2026) — www.legal500.com (accessed 2026-11-01)
- ASEAN Trade Repository (official regional portal to national trade information) — atr.asean.org (accessed 2026-11-01)
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