Exporting Goods from USA to Thailand

There are quite a number of things shippers must take note of when shipping goods to Thailand. The rules are quite stringent, and certain items must be shipped by sea and not by air for speedy clearance purposed. Before shipping any item to the country, consignees are advised to check if they’re forbidden or not. If forbidden items are found in the shipment, clearance delays and fines will be applied. Unless covered by diplomatic protocols, vehicle importation is also not recommended because of the cumbersome paperwork and the hefty fees. The information below is a quick guideline to help shippers import goods into the country as smoothly as possible.

On household goods

Thailand only allows one small shipment by air and one shipment by sea for families who would like to have their used household items and personal effects shipped into the country. They’re especially stringent with appliances, exempting only one appliance per kind to be exempt from duties. Duplicates will be dutiable and taxed even if they’re used. Carpets and other luxury items like porcelain and crystals will also be taxed whether new or old.

The appliances and electronics must be packed last in the container so they may easily be inspected by the Customs Agency in Thailand. All household items must be listed in detail, with the used items separate from new and dutiable ones. The inventories should be in English and Thai. Each inventory should be translated closely. The packing lists must also contain the quantities per item and their depreciated value. Consignees are advised not to attach the inventories for shipment with the inventories for insurance purposes.

Airway bills and original bills of lading must be labeled specifically (used, new, electronics, etc.). The Customs Agency must also be pre-alerted once the shipment is booked via fax. Aside from the waybills, inventories and packing lists, these documents are necessary for clearance:

i. The consignee’s passport
ii. Work permit for no less than one year (for foreign residents)
iii. Diplomatic exemption (for diplomats)
iv. Copy of house certificate (for returning nationals)
v. Copy of Thai ID (for returning nationals)
vi. Import permits (if household goods include antiques, valuable items, artworks, etc.)

The shipment must not arrive earlier than one month after the consignee’s arrival and no later than six months after it. Shipments will only be allowed, too, if the source is the shipper’s last place of residence, in this case, the USA. Diplomats are advised to fix their papers in advance because the process takes 10 days, and due to the special nature of the shipment, these documents must be received by the Customs Agency in advance.

Motor vehicles

Importation of personal vehicles from the USA to Thailand is not advised because of the hefty fees. This includes motorcycles and cars. Import permits are very difficult to get, too. Most of the time only diplomats are able to ship their vehicles into the country because they’re allowed to do so duty-free. Document requirements for diplomat exemption include a letter from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will be used to verify his/her diplomatic status. Duties for new vehicles for non-diplomats can be as much as 300% of the vehicle’s value and freight costs. Used vehicles may be charged at least 213% duties if the consignee was able to obtain an Import Permit.

There are no information online about the importation of private boats and air planes. It can be assumed that the rates are even heftier for these special vehicles. As this article is only a general guide, consignees should consult the Embassy of Thailand about the rates, document requirements and importation procedures. Any rules written here may be adjusted or fully altered by the Embassy without notice, so consultation is a must.