📋 Export and Import licenses in Thailand 🇹🇭

WHY YOU MUST GET IMPORT/EXPORT LICENSE BEFORE  SHIPPING FROM/TO THAILAND ?

If you want to export from Thailand, you must have an export license, if not you cannot ship!

If you want import to Thailand, the minimum requirement is an import license, but many goods require import permit as well.

Thai import / export license

Whatever the operation you make, you must obtain an Import / Export License (or customs card, valid for 3 years.) It is a smart card for importers and Exporters Thus, online brokers get a golden card, while a yellow is intended for the owner or manager, the lawyer will get a green card and the clearance card is pink.

Import and Export Laws and Rules

All shipments departing or arriving in Thailand are governed by rules.

On the other hand, the export of certain products is formally prohibited by law in the absence of certain licenses.

Import license and controls

*Import license is not sufficient, in many cases you also need an import permit

The Thai Ministry of Commerce divides the goods into different families that are controlled on import and often require a license. Over the years, even if these controls are gradually liberalized, there are about 50 categories of goods requiring an import license. They are frequently modified by ministry notifications. The license application must be attached to a supplier’s order, confirmation, invoice.

Many products are subject to other controls from other laws. These include:

• The importation of pharmaceutical products (medicines) requires a Food and Drug Administration authorization from the Ministry of Health.
• The trade in minerals is subject to a strict rule: without the appropriate authorization, it is prohibited to import more than two kilograms of tungsten oxide and tin ores and metallic tin.
• Antiques, works of art, museum and historical exhibits may not be shipped without authorization from the Director General of Fine Arts
• Weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks and prohibited firearms are prohibited from the production, purchase, use or import unless they have the appropriate license Of the Ministry of the Interior.
• To protect public health, the importation of cosmetic products must be accompanied by the name and location of the office and place of manufacture of the products and their name and composition.

Export license and controls

Export licenses have been established for certain products, such as seeds, tobacco leaves and trees. In addition, products such as rice and sugar require export licenses under the Export Standards Act. This law makes it possible to control the quality of these products intended for export.

Agricultural exporters find that membership in business associations is mandatory and that these associations can create and implement their own membership regulations.

* Please note that the Thai rules and laws are constantly changing and that it is very important for you to check every information with the Thai authorities who can update some rules. We do not warrant the accuracy of any information provided on Siam-shipping.com.

WHAT HAPPEN IF I DO NOT HAVE ANY OF REQUIRED LICENSES ?

It depend, and the case will be manage by our customs department. Most of the time, your goods are stuck until reaching an agreement with customs. As its hard to explain, and different according to the shipment, do not hesitate to contact us for more details. Kindly check with us before ship out your goods, because once the shipment is on the way, it might be to late. Please note that for get licences, you have to apply under a company name, an individual is not eligible, except for some cases. 

Khun Wanna, import manager @ SIAM Shipping

To process the importation / exportation in Thailand , you must follow 5 steps:

*Please note that to get licenses, you must apply under a company name, an individual is not eligible, except for some cases. 

Step 1 – fill an official declaration

You can fill the Customs Form 99 or 99/1 manually or via the EDI system, then you go to the step 2.

Step 2 – Provide some official documents:

• Cargo report or air waybill (air freight)or bill of lading (sea freight)
• 3 copies of the invoice
• Packing list
• Insurance mentioned on the invoice
• Release form (customs form 100/1 or 469)
• Foreign transaction form if the import value exceeds 500 000 Baht
• Import license (if applicable)
• Certificates of Origin (if applicable)
• Other relevant documents such as catalogs, product specifications, etc.

Step 3 – Submit the Customs Statement and Support Documents:

Once at the port of entry, you must provide the Declaration of Importation and the supporting documents so that they are checked by the customs.

The customs authorities will ensure that the documents are completed and that there is no missing supporting document attached. The authorities will also control the customs tariff, the calculation of duties and taxes and the valuation of goods.

Step 4 – Pay the applicable import duties and taxes using one of these methods:

• Payment to the Customs Department
• Electronic Funds Transfer via BOT’s BAHTNET
• Electronic payment to Krung Thai Bank
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) via EDI

*In some case, the process isn’t finish, we have to wait for the approval from customs officer.

Step 5 – Inspect and release customs cargo:

The imported goods will then be inspected by customs inspectors. The inspected parcel must correspond to the declaration submitted by the importer so that the customs inspectors validate and register the computer control and then release the goods to the importer.

To conclude, we strongly advice to consult our import/export department before starting your business, Thailand is not an easy country, and if some forwarder does not check, it mean they are not professional.