Sea freight from Thailand to Republic of Congo
TOP 5 – Shipping line
Main ports in Thailand
The Port of Bangkok
The Port of Bangkok is the largest port in Thailand, located on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is connected to the national railway system and has several docks for loading and unloading containers.
Laem Chabang Port
The Laem Chabang Port is located about 130 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in Chonburi province. It is the second-largest port in Thailand and is connected to the national
railway network for the transportation of goods to the interior of the country.
Map Ta Phut Port
Located in Rayong province, the Map Ta Phut Port is on the east coast of Thailand, this port is an important center for the country's petrochemical industry. It has a rail yard and is connected to the national rail network.
Should I ship by groupage or full container between the Republic of Congo and Thailand?
There are three primary standard container sizes commonly used in shipping:
- The 40-foot HQ (High Cube), has a capacity of 76 cubic meters.
- The 40-foot container, has a capacity of 67 cubic meters.
- The 20-foot container, has a capacity of 33 cubic meters.
Each of these containers can be shipped by two different transportation methods.
LCL
Less than Container Load: this is a shipping method that enables multiple individuals or businesses with smaller shipments to share a single container. This allows the goods of various parties to be consolidated and combined within the same container to fill it completely.
LCL is a cost-effective choice, particularly for shipments that are less than 15 m³ in volume.
FCL
Full Container Load is a shipping method where an individual or business utilizes the entire capacity of a container for their shipment. With FCL, one party has exclusive use of the container, reducing the risk of damage to the goods as there is no mixing or handling of other shipments within the container.
This method is particularly cost-effective for shipments that exceed shipments over 15 m³.
Air freight from Thailand to the Republic of Congo
How much does it cost to transport cargo by air from Thailand to the Republic of Congo?
The cost of transporting cargo by air from Thailand to the Republic of Congo can vary depending on several factors. These include the weight and dimensions of the cargo, the type of goods being transported, the urgency of delivery, and any additional services required.
Air freight rates are typically calculated based on a combination of factors, such as the chargeable weight or volumetric weight of the shipment.
How to calculate the volumetric weight of your shipment?
The volumetric weight of a package is determined by calculating the space it occupies based on its dimensions and gross weight. To determine the volumetric weight, measure the length, width, and height of the package, and convert these measurements into cubic meters. Then, apply the following formula:
Volumetric weight = (length x width x height) / 5000
Customs clearance in the Republic of Congo for freight shipping 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 the Republic of Congo, 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 the Republic of Congo :
- 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 the Republic of Congo ?
- Import duties: These are taxes imposed on certain goods imported into the Republic of Congo, based on the product's classification, value, and country of origin. Import duties can vary widely depending on the product and can range from a few percent to more than 50% of the product's value.
- 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 the Republic of Congo, 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.
- 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 the Republic of Congo 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.
- 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 Thailand products and the Republic of Congo.
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 Republic of Congo 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 Republic of Congo government.
Customs procedures and contact
Storing and warehousing
We offer storage services in different countries, especially in France 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
