01 / START HERE
Four questions before the goods move.
This guide is for businesses planning a commercial import. Personal effects, temporary imports, bonded arrangements and special privileges require a different review.
- Who is the importer? Confirm the importing entity and the registration and broker-authorisation arrangements before the shipment is dispatched.
- What exactly are the goods? Share materials, function, model, composition and product specifications. “Parts” or “samples” rarely gives enough information for a useful assessment.
- Are there restrictions? Check the product before booking. Restricted goods can need permission from another agency; prohibited goods cannot simply be cleared by paying duty. Thai Customs guidance [1]
- What is included in the purchase and transport price? Record the Incoterm and named place, then separately agree collection, freight, clearance and final delivery.
Our practical recommendation: send the available information early. Mark unknown details clearly rather than filling gaps with assumptions.
02 / DOCUMENTS
What documents do I need to import into Thailand?
Start with the invoice, packing details and transport document. Add product evidence, permits and origin documents where applicable. The exact set depends on the goods and procedure. Thai Customs preparation guidance [2]
| Prepare | What to check |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Buyer, seller, product descriptions, quantities, prices, currency and agreed terms. |
| Packing list | Packages, contents and weights should reconcile with the shipment. |
| Transport document | Bill of lading or air waybill, as appropriate to the transport mode. |
| Product information | Specifications, photographs and composition or intended use where relevant. |
| Conditional evidence | Required permits, origin evidence when claiming preference, and freight or insurance information for valuation. |
03 / COST PLANNING
What will the import cost?
Separate duty and tax from freight, terminal charges, brokerage, storage and delivery. A tax estimate is not an all-inclusive logistics quotation.
For a simple ad-valorem calculation, import duty is the customs value multiplied by the duty rate. VAT can apply to the customs value plus duty; additional taxes may also enter the VAT base where applicable. Thai Customs calculation guidance [3]
A worked example—not a rate for your goods.
Assume a customs value of THB 100,000, duty at 10% and VAT at 7%, with no excise or other taxes.
- Import duty: 100,000 × 10%
- THB 10,000
- VAT: (100,000 + 10,000) × 7%
- THB 7,700
- Combined duty and VAT
- THB 17,700
The rates are illustrative. Actual treatment depends on classification, origin, import date and applicable rules. This example excludes logistics charges.
The invoice amount and customs value may differ. Tell us which freight and insurance costs are already included, so they are not added twice.
Try the duty & tax estimator ↗04 / THE JOURNEY
Arrival is one milestone. Release is another.
Electronic declaration, payment where due, and Customs clearance are separate from transport arrival. Inspection or supporting-document checks can be required. Thai Customs procedure [2]
- Prepare the file. Identify missing product details and documents before arrival.
- Review the declaration information. Check the parties, goods, values and requested treatment with the broker.
- Follow clearance. Respond to requests and distinguish submitted information from an actual release.
- Arrange delivery. Confirm the release, collection arrangements, delivery address and unloading needs.
Proconnect’s customer technology brings shared documents, requests and recorded milestones into the shipment context, where enabled for your account. See the portal and LINE experience →
05 / COMMON QUESTIONS
Resolve these before committing.
How long will clearance take?
There is no single timeframe we can promise for every shipment. Ask for a shipment-specific plan after the goods, permits, documents and arrival arrangements have been reviewed.
Can I use the HS code on the supplier’s invoice?
Send it as supporting information, together with the product specifications. Ask the broker to check its suitability for the Thai declaration rather than treating a supplier’s code as confirmation.
Does shipping from China mean lower duty?
Do not budget on the shipping country alone. Check the applicable origin rules and supporting evidence before claiming preferential treatment. Read the Form E guide →
What if I do not know every detail?
Start with what you have. Our quotation assistant can help turn the conversation into a reviewable brief, with unresolved items clearly marked. The brief is a request for a quotation, not a confirmed price or booking.
Ready to discuss your shipment?
Bring your route, product details, quantities, timing and available documents. We will use them to identify the next questions.
Explore customs brokerage →Contact Proconnect →Sources & scope
General planning information, not a classification decision or a guarantee of clearance. Confirm the requirements and rates applicable to your shipment. Official references checked on 12 September 2026.
- Thai Customs: prohibited and restricted goods
- Thai Customs: import preparation and land-border procedures — route-specific instructions must be checked with the relevant office.
- Suvarnabhumi Cargo Customs: tax calculation; Thai Customs: VAT calculation base