🇹🇭 Import Customs & Duties: Thailand
Quick Facts
Duty-free threshold
$45
Packages under $45, duty free
VAT / Sales Tax
7%
CIF value + duty + excise tax (if applicable).
Clearance Time
3-7 days
typical processing
Duty Rates by Category
| Category | Duty Rate | HS Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | 0-10% | HS 85 |
| Clothing | 20-30% | HS 61-62 |
| Footwear | 20-30% | HS 64 |
| Food products | 5-60% | HS 01-24 |
| Machinery | 0-10% | HS 84 |
| Cosmetics | 10-30% | HS 33 |
| Books | 0% | HS 49 |
| Toys | 10-20% | HS 95 |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on the HS code of your item.
Import Duty Calculator
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $45 USD
Customs Clearance Process
Thai Customs Department uses the e-Customs system. Personal imports under THB 1500 are duty-free. Commercial imports require customs broker. Thailand Post handles postal customs at international sorting centers.
What to Actually Expect
Thai customs has improved with e-Customs but can still be slow for postal items. Personal packages via Thailand Post may take 1-2 weeks for customs clearance. Express couriers are much faster. Cosmetics and food require Thai FDA notification which can delay clearance significantly.
Required Documents
Commercial Invoice
Item description, quantity, value, sender and receiver details
Packing List
Detailed description of contents in each package
Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)
Required for postal shipments
Air Waybill (AWB)
Generated by the carrier when booking the shipment
Certificate of Origin
May be required for reduced duties (FTA/preferential rates)
Export/Import License
For restricted goods (electronics, medicines, chemicals)
Import License Requirements
Import licenses for controlled goods: vehicles, machinery over certain values, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics (FDA registration), and agricultural products. TISI standards required for certain products.
Certificate of Origin
Department of Foreign Trade issues certificates. Preferential certificates under RCEP, ASEAN FTA, Thailand-Australia FTA, CPTPP. Form D for ASEAN trade.
Learn more →Prohibited & Restricted Items
Prohibited
- xNarcotics and illegal drugs
- xExplosives and flammable materials
- xWeapons and ammunition
- xCounterfeit goods
- xCounterfeit currency and documents
Restricted (permit required)
- !Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- !Food and beverages
- !Plants and seeds
- !Electronics (lithium batteries)
- !Perfumes and cosmetics (volume limits)
Useful Links
Duty & Tax Estimate
Estimated import charges when shipping goods to Thailand:
| Goods Value | Duty | VAT/Tax | Total Charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50 | $0 | $4 | $4 |
| $100 | $4 | $7 | $12 |
| $200 | $12 | $15 | $27 |
| $500 | $36 | $38 | $74 |
| $1000 | $76 | $75 | $152 |
Estimates only. Actual duties depend on product category and HS code.
Popular routes to Thailand
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duty-free threshold for Thailand?
The duty-free (de minimis) threshold for imports into Thailand is $45. Goods valued below this amount are exempt from customs duties.
What is the VAT rate on imports to Thailand?
The VAT/tax rate on imports to Thailand is 7%. VAT applies to: CIF value + duty + excise tax (if applicable).
How long does customs clearance take in Thailand?
Typical customs clearance in Thailand takes 3-7 days. Express shipments usually clear faster.
What documents are needed to import into Thailand?
To import into Thailand, you typically need: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, and customs declaration. Some goods may require a certificate of origin or import license.
What items are prohibited from import into Thailand?
Thailand prohibits the import of narcotics, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain animal products, and hazardous materials. Restrictions may also apply to alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain electronics.