Customs Clearance in Thailand made simple

When all documentation is complete and accurate, customs clearance in Thailand is usually processed within 24 hours for air freight shipments and 1–2 days for sea freight cargo at Laem Chabang or Bangkok Port.
Delays often occur due to missing paperwork, incorrect HS codes, or customs inspection.
At Siam Shipping, we anticipate potential issues to ensure a faster release of your goods.

In Thailand, the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight) is used to estimate the value of imported goods.
Here’s a simplified example:

• Item Value: $100

• Shipping: $20

• Insurance: $30

• Total CIF: $150

This CIF value is then used to determine the duty rate, which generally ranges between 0% and 80%, with an average of 21%.
Some products (like laptops, electronic devices, or goods valued under $30) are exempt.
In addition, a 7% VAT is applied to the CIF + duty amount, and an additional 10% excise tax may apply on alcohol or food.

No. Under-declaring the value of goods to reduce customs duties is considered illegal in Thailand.
If the declared value is deemed too low, the Director-General of Thai Customs can impose their own assessed value and even buy or confiscate the goods.
In some cases, arbitrators may be appointed to resolve disputes, but Thai authorities have full discretion.
Attempting to undervalue goods may result in heavy fines, cargo seizure, or long-term import restrictions.

How shipments are chosen for inspection is not publicly disclosed. Thai Customs assigns a risk factor score to each shipment when it enters Thailand.
Cargo may be examined for several reasons, including:

• Random inspection (X-ray, tailgate, or physical examination)

• Type of goods, e.g., chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or perishables often require lab analysis

• Country of origin, particularly if the shipment comes from restricted or high-risk regions

• Flagged shippers or importers with a history of misdeclaration

Siam Shipping, certified by TIFFA, has strong relationships with Thai Customs and can advise you proactively if an inspection is likely, minimizing disruption to your operations.

Yes. Certain items are restricted and require prior approval from Thai government agencies, while others are strictly prohibited.

Restricted items include:

• Firearms and ammunition (National Police)

• Buddha images, antiques, and artworks (Fine Arts Department)

• Radio transceivers and telecom equipment (Ministry of Digital Economy)

• Plants, seeds, and soil (Department of Agriculture)

• Live animals and animal products (Department of Livestock Development)

• Medicines, cosmetics, and chemicals (Thai FDA)

Prohibited items include:
Narcotics, fake currency, counterfeit goods, obscene or pornographic material, items with the Thai national flag, and e-cigarettes.

Siam Shipping advises all clients to verify item eligibility before import to avoid penalties or confiscation.

Once your company is established, VAT-registered, and holds a Thai bank account, you can apply for a paperless import/export license from the Customs Department.
The process generally takes less than one day. Required documents include:

• KSK 1 application form

• Company affidavit

• VAT certificate (PP 20)

• Bank account proof

• Seal registration (BAJ 3)

• Passport copy

• Power of attorney (KSK 1, page 3)

This license is mandatory for all import and export activities in Thailand. Siam Shipping assists clients throughout the process.

If your goods are held by Thai customs, don’t panic — it’s a common situation.
Reasons may include document discrepancies, unpaid duties, or a pending inspection.
Siam Shipping’s experts will contact the customs authorities directly, provide missing documents, and negotiate the fastest possible release.
We also advise on how to avoid similar issues for future shipments.

In most cases, you will pay Siam Shipping directly.
We issue an official Draft Entry Form (invoice) covering all customs duties, VAT, and service fees.
Once payment is received, we process the transaction with the Thai Customs Department.
This streamlined payment process saves you time and ensures accuracy, avoiding miscommunication or delays.

Exporting from Thailand follows four steps under the e-Customs system:

1. Submission of an Export Declaration (electronically by broker/exporter).

2. Verification of the Declaration by the Customs system, which classifies it as Green Line (no inspection) or Red Line (inspection required).

3. Payment of export duties and taxes through e-Payment, at customs, or at banks.

4. Inspection and Release of Cargo, after which goods are cleared for loading and exit.

Siam Shipping manages every step, ensuring that all declarations are compliant and that your export operations run smoothly.