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THAILAND 

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

Firearms, ammunition, pornographic literature and short-wave radios are prohibited. For non diplomatic automobiles and motorcycles the shipper must obtain approval from the Ministry of Commerce prior to his forwarding the vehicles from origin, this import permit is not normally granted to foreigners. Heavy import taxes are placed on automobiles, under 2,400 CC 213% CIF, under 3000 CC 251% CIF and from 3000 CC 308% CIF. Subject to duties: sport equipments, children toys, luxury goods, pianos, office equipments, more than one type of electrical appliances, alcohol.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS 

Personal and household effects may be imported duty free in respect provided certain criteria are met.  Shippers without duty free status can still import subject to payment of duties and taxes. 

  • Shipments must arrive no later than six months after the arrival of the importer bearing a non-immigrant visa, to qualify for duty free status.
  • Persons possessing a one year non-immigrant visa with a valid work permit at the time shipment is imported can import one sea and one air shipment of used household goods duty free from country of last residence. 
  • Returning Thai residents having stayed abroad for more than 12 months can import one air and one sea shipment of used household goods duty free. Shipment must originate from country of residence.
  • Citizens other than Thai nationals, on change of domicile if holding a Thai resident visa can also import from country of last residence one air and one sea shipment of used household goods duty free (providing that they have been abroad for more than 12 months). 
  • Persons under diplomatic passport, Thai Government recognised AID organisations & Board of Investment, who are allowed to stay in Thailand for a certain period (usually one - two years) can also import one air and one sea shipment of used household goods duty free. 
Documents required
  • Copies of the inventory.
  • Ocean bill of lading. 
  • The shipper's original passport. 

Consignment

  • All non diplomatic shipments must be consigned to:
    Shipper's full name (as in passport)
    C/O T.I.M.N. agent (name with completed address)
  • Diplomatic shipments must be consigned to:
    the shipper's name (as in passport)
    C /O their embassy mission, or organisation.
  • All shipments must be marked on the ocean bills of lading or air waybills as "Used Personal Effects".
    Do not declare as household directs or household effects or household goods.

Failure to follow above instructions may cause serious customs delays and result in higher import fees for the shipper.

Please note that due to the very narrow and congested streets in Bangkokit is very difficult to move 40' containers to shippers' residences.  While 20' containers can be delivered to some residences it is advisable to avoid loose packing the containers. It is recommended to pack all goods into wooden lift vans. This ensures that the goods can be brought directly to the residence without re-handling. 

 

Important: This information is intended for general guidance and all T.I.M.N. members are entitled to reproduce this information and any contributions are welcomed.  T.I.M.N. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use.  As such it is advisable to contact the nearest customs office for Thailand for full and current information prior to importation.