TOP 5 – Shipping line
The Main Shipping Seaports in Europe
Port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and one of the most important in the world. Located in the Netherlands, it occupies a strategic position at the mouth of the Rhine River. It offers modern and diverse facilities for maritime trade, cargo transportation, and the petrochemical industry.
With its extensive infrastructure and deep-water access, it serves as a vital hub for global shipping and logistics.
Port of Antwerp
The Port of Antwerp, situated in Belgium, is one of Europe's largest ports and a key player in international trade. Known for its strategic location along the Scheldt River, it serves as a gateway to Europe, connecting global supply chains to the continent.
Port of Hamburg
The Port of Hamburg, located in Germany, is a major seaport and an important economic center in Northern Europe. Its advantageous location on the Elbe River allows for direct access to the North Sea, making it a crucial trade gateway for Central and Eastern Europe.
The Main Shipping seaports in Thailand
The Port of Bangkok
The Port of Bangkok is Located in Bangkok, Thailand, it is the country's largest port and serves as a major gateway for international trade. It is a very large port with the latest infrastructure. All kinds of goods can be transported through it.
Additional information:
- It is the largest and busiest port in Thailand, covering an area of approximately 2,572 hectares.
- The port handles a significant volume of container traffic. In 2020, it handled a total of 9.7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers.
Laem Chabang Port
The Laem Chabang Port is situated in the province of Chonburi, around 130 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. It is Thailand's second-largest port and has a connection to the country's railway system for the movement of cargo across the interior.
Chiang Saen Port
The Chiang Saen Port is situated close to the Laos border in the province of Chiang Rai, on the Mekong River. Between Thailand and its neighbors, particularly Laos and China, it is used to convey cargo.
Less than a container : LCL
Less than Container Load : refers to a shipment that is smaller and does not require a full shipping container. Multiple smaller shipments are consolidated into a shared container to reduce costs. It is a cost-effective option for smaller businesses or individuals who don't have enough cargo to fill an entire container.
This is the most cost-effective choice for small shipments of less than 15 m³.
Full Container:FCL
Full Container Load: For this type of shipment, one person will use the entire capacity of the container. This minimizes the risk of damage to the goods.
This method would still be advantageous even if you did not fill the container completely. However, it is the most cost-effective for shipments over 15 m³.
Main airports in Europe
Europe is home to several major airports that serve as important transportation hubs.
London Heathrow Airport
One of the busiest airports in the world and a key center for air freight operations, Heathrow Airport is situated in the western section of London. It functions as a crucial entry point for freight transit, linking companies and industries to several locations throughout the world. London Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest, connects global industries through its four terminals and vast cargo facilities.
Frankfurt Airport
It is a key center for aviation freight traffic and one of the busiest airports in all of Europe. Frankfurt Airport is situated in Frankfurt, Germany, and acts as a significant entry point for cargo shipments to and from several locations across the world.
Main airports in Thailand
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major cargo hub for the Asia-Pacific region, offering direct air connections to many international destinations.
Additional information:
- It has the highest control tower in the world.
- Its terminal is the third largest in the world with 56.3 hectares.
- Forecasted increase in cargo and aviation capacity.
Don Mueang Airport
Don Mueang is considered one of the oldest international airports in the world. Commercial flights began in 1924, making it one of the oldest commercial airports in the world.
Additional information:
- 700,000 tons of cargo were handled by this airport.
- It worked with 80 airlines
Chiang Mai Airport
Although Chiang Mai Airport is not as large as Bangkok Airport, it plays an important role in the logistics of the northern region of Thailand by providing direct connections to major domestic and international destinations.
Additional information:
- 16,000 tons of annual cargo
- More than 15,000 flights and 2,000,000 passengers annually
How much does it cost to transport cargo by air from Thailand to Europe?
To know the price of your goods transported from Thailand to Europe by air freight, you must consult the tariffs of the airline companies. Their tariffs are presented by weight bands in decreasing prices.
The weight taken into account by the airlines will always be the one that is to their advantage, that is to say, the highest between the real weight and the volumetric weight.
How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?
The volumetric weight is the volume occupied by a package, based on its dimensions and its gross weight. To know it, you must measure the dimensions of the package (length, width, and height), then convert them into cubic meters. Then use the formula below:
Volumetric weight = (length x width x height) / 5000
Customs clearance in Europe for goods imported from Thailand
Customs clearance in any country is an important and mandatory step that must be done when importing and exporting.
When you import goods in Europe, the customs clearance will consist in paying the customs duties and the VAT. It is also necessary to be attentive to the regulations and standards of the country where you are shipping to avoid having your goods blocked at customs.
Here are the prohibited and regulated products in Europe:
- Prohibited products: drugs, counterfeit goods, plants, animals, and some dangerous materials...
- Regulated products: food (fruits, vegetables, meat, poison, milk), animals, weapons and ammunition, works of art, medicines, products…
Customs valuation
The customs value corresponds to the real economic value of the goods. Its estimation is based on precise rules harmonized at the European level. Thus, the General Rules for the Determination of Customs Value provide for several valuation methods, which are set out in Articles 70 to 74 of the European Customs Code (ECC).
The customs value makes it possible, when importing goods, to determine the duties and taxes that will be collected by the State: customs duties, additional duties, anti-dumping duties, dock dues, VAT, etc., and when exporting, to obtain the basis for certain duties and to collect the data necessary for statistical monitoring of foreign trade.
What are the customs duties and taxes in Europe ?
- CCT: A set of uniform tariffs are offered by the CCT on items imported into the EU. The tariff percentages can be as low as 0% (for specific commodities like books or medical equipment) to as high as 100% (for things like cigarettes or upscale goods). It's vital to remember that the EU's TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities) database has information on the individual tariff rates for various products.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): This is a tax on the value added at each stage of production and distribution of goods and services. For most goods imported into Europe, the VAT rate is currently 20%. The VAT is usually paid by the importer when the goods enter the country.
- Excise duties: These are taxes on specific products, such as alcohol, tobacco, and fuel. Excise duties are often based on the quantity or volume of the product and are charged in addition to import duties and VAT.
- Anti-dumping duties: These are additional import duties imposed by the EU to counteract unfair trade practices, such as when a foreign company exports a product at a lower price than it charges in its own country. Anti-dumping duties can be significant and may be imposed for several years.
- Environmental taxes: Some products may be subject to environmental taxes, such as taxes on packaging or products that contain hazardous substances.
How to calculate customs duties and taxes
Calculating customs duties and taxes on imports into France can be a complex process that depends on several factors, such as the type of product, its value, and its country of origin. Here are the general steps to follow:
- Determine the product's tariff classification: The first step in calculating customs duties is to determine the product's tariff classification. This is done by consulting the EU's Common Customs Tariff (CCT), which lists the various product categories and their corresponding duty rates. You'll need to know the Harmonized System (HS) code for your product to determine its tariff classification.
- Determine the product's value: The next step is to determine the product's value, which is usually the invoice value of the goods plus any additional costs, such as shipping and insurance.
- Calculate the customs duty: Once you have determined the product's tariff classification and value, you can calculate the customs duty. The duty rate will depend on the product's tariff classification, its value, and the country of origin. You can use the EU's TARIC database to look up the duty rate for your product.
- Calculate the VAT: In addition to customs duties, you will also need to calculate the VAT. The VAT rate in France is currently 20%, but there may be reduced rates for certain products, such as food and books.
- Calculate any other taxes or fees: Depending on the product, there may be other taxes or fees to consider, such as excise duties or environmental taxes.
It's important to note that the customs clearance process and the calculation of duties and taxes can be complex. If you're unsure about how to calculate the duties and taxes for your specific import, it's always best to consult with a customs broker or freight forwarder like Siam Shipping. We can help you navigate the process and ensure that you're meeting all the necessary requirements.
How to find the HS code?
A system of classification for products used in international trade is the HS code (Harmonized System). It organizes goods into categories based on their nature and intended use, making the collection of statistical data and the customs clearance process easier. The HS system contains more than 5,000 different products, each of which is categorized using a distinct eight-digit number.
You can consult these websites to know the HS code of the Thailand products and the Europe products.
Calculating customs duties with the HS Code
Now that you have the HS code of your products, you can find the associated tariffs on the European customs website.
Here is a small illustrated guide to help you understand how to do it:
Enter your HS code and country of origin.
Then, consult taxes applicable to your product.
Does Siam Shipping charge customs duties?
No, no commission is taken from Siam Shipping. As proof, we will send you all the official documents provided by French customs. We will only collect the customs clearance fees, as we declare your goods to the customs for you.
The fees associated with customs duties and taxes will be collected by the French government.
Customs procedures and contact
Storing and warehousing
We offer storage services in different countries, especially in Europe and Thailand. You can store your goods in our warehouse until you have enough goods to fill an entire container. This will save you transportation costs.
You can go to our specific page at: Storage services
Packing and repacking
The packaging of your products is an important step that should not be neglected. To ensure that your products are packaged properly and securely, use our professional packaging service!
Additional details can be found on our dedicated page: Packing Services
Insurance for transport
Taking out insurance for your shipment is not mandatory, but is highly recommended. In case of damage or loss of your goods, you will be fully reimbursed. We have negotiated the best prices with the insurance companies so that you can take advantage of this service at a low price!
Visit our specific page here: Insurance services
