You must have an export licence to export from Thailand; else, you will be unable to ship! The minimum need for importing to Thailand is an import licence, although many commodities also require import permission. This makes it mandatory for you to have an import-export license in Thailand if your business is having cross-border shipment operations.
Import/Export License in Thailand
You must get an Import/Export License for any operation you carry out. Optionally, you can also get a customs card which is valid for 3 years. Importers and exporters can use it as a smart card. Online brokers will receive a golden card, while the owner or manager will receive a yellow card, the lawyer will receive a green card, and the clearance card will be pink.
Import and Export Rules in Thailand
Rules apply to all shipments leaving or arriving in Thailand. However, in the lack of certain approvals, the export of some products is formally forbidden by law.
It is prohibited to sell rice outside of Thailand. Foreign buyers may be allowed to trade in lumber, rubber, animal skins, scrap, and silk in exchange for significant taxes. It is necessary to obtain a government licence for gold, animals, or sugar.
Import License and Controls
The Thai Ministry of Commerce categorises items into distinct families, each of which is subject to import controls and frequently requires a licence. Even if these limitations are gradually liberalised over time, there are around 50 categories of items that require an import licence. Notifications from the ministry frequently change them. A supplier’s order, confirmation, and invoice must be linked to the licencing application.
Many products are subject to additional regulations imposed by other legislation. They include:
- Importing pharmaceutical products (medicines) requires permission from the Ministry of Health’s Food and Drug Administration.
- Mineral commerce is governed by a stringent set of rules: it is illegal to import more than two kilogrammes of tungsten oxide, tin ores, or metallic tin without prior authorization.
- Without the permission of the Director-General of Fine Arts, antiques, works of art, museum and historical displays may not be shipped.
- Weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and restricted guns are illegal to manufacture, purchase, use, or import unless they have a Ministry of the Interior licence.
- Importation of cosmetic products must be accompanied by the name and location of the office and place of manufacture of the products, as well as their name and composition, to protect public health.
Export License and Controls
Certain items, including seeds, tobacco leaves, and trees, have been granted export permissions. Furthermore, the Export Standards Act requires export licences for foodstuffs like rice and sugar. This rule allows for the quality control of certain products that you destine for export. Moreover, agricultural exporters discover that membership in business associations is mandatory. Additionally, these organisations have the authority to adopt and enforce their own membership rules.
Please keep in mind that Thai rules and laws are always changing. Therefore, you should double-check all information with Thai authorities who can change some rules.
Steps to Process Import/Export in Thailand
Please note that except for a few exceptions, you must apply for licences under the name of a corporation; an individual is not eligible.
Step 1: Official Declaration Filing
You can fill out Customs Form 99 or 99/1 by hand or using an EDI system, and then proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Attach Official Documents
- Cargo report or air waybill (air freight)or bill of lading (sea freight)
- 3 copies of the invoice
- Packing list
- The 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 catalogues, product specifications, etc.
Step 3: Declaration and Document Submission
Once you arrive at the port of entry, you must provide the Declaration of Importation. You must attach the supporting documentation for customs inspection.
The customs authorities will double-check that the documents are complete and that no supporting documents are missing. The customs tariff, the calculation of charges and taxes, and the value of commodities will all be under the jurisdiction of the government.
Step 4: Import Duties and Tax Payment
You can pay the applicable import duties and taxes by any of the following methods:
- Payment to the Customs Department
- Electronic Funds Transfer via BOT’s BAHTNET
- An Electronic payment to Krung Thai Bank
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) via EDI
Step 5: Inspection and Release of Customs Cargo
Customs inspectors will then inspect the imported products. The inspected parcel must match the importer’s declaration. Thereby, the customs inspectors can check and record the computer control before releasing the items to the importer.
Whether you’re an exporter or an importer, you already know that the key to growing your cash flow is to increase the speed. It is the speed with which intend the transportation of items. Therefore, it is critical not to make any mistakes in the paperwork.
Therefore, follow the steps and apply for the right type of license for your import or export activities. For assistance in import, export and customs clearance, mail us your requirements at [email protected].
