Import-Export: What are the Customs Procedures in Thailand?

Imports procedures in Thailand

All items brought into Thailand must be documented with the customs service, according to Thai law. For this, the steps listed below should be taken.

Step 1: Create an account on the online customs system

As previously noted, the computerized customs system currently serves as the focal point for the processes involved in importing products into Thailand.

The importer (natural person or company) must first possess a “digital certificate” in order to register in this system. This certificate, which functions as an electronic signature to verify the sender’s identity and validity when sending electronic documents, is necessary for all businesses operating online in Thailand that engage in reportable exports or imports.
The importer can register for the online customs service as soon as they get a digital certificate. Firms have the possibility of registering either directly through the system (at their own office) or through an agent. In the second scenario, the agent will log on to the computer system. The following activities must be performed in order to register in the system:

• The company’s IT systems need to have the customs service software installed, and the digital certificate needs to be validated
• Each customs office has a Registration and Customs Privileges Sub-Division, Customs Procedures and Standard Assessments Valuation Standard Bureau, or General Administration Division where the importer should register with Thai Customs
• Testing is necessary to determine the efficacy and validity of exchanges with the online customs system
• The tests are completed when the Communication and IT Bureau issues an identification number, marking the end of the process.

Step 2: Verifying the products’ compliance

Before the items are imported, it is important to double-check two things: first, see if they need an importation permission, and then, make sure they don’t fall inside the “red line” (literally, “red line”).
A lot of items need import permissions from various organizations before they can arrive in the country. For instance, the importation of used cars requires a permit from the Department of Foreign Trade, whereas the importation of food goods (“Food and Drug Administration”) is governed by the Ministry of Health and requires permission from the Medicines Agency. On the website of the Customs Department, you can get a list of the items that need import authorisation. Only half of Thai government entities currently allow online applications for import permissions, but the government is currently striving to integrate these permits into the online customs system.

The second check entails determining whether or not the imported items fit inside the so-called “red line” category (as contrary to the so-called “green line” category). The “red line” category includes products that are high risk and need further inspections at the border, such as food, drink, and plants. The following supporting papers must be produced in the event that “red line” products are imported:

• Bill of Lading, B/L, Air Waybill
• Invoice
• Goods List
• Import Permit (if necessary)
• Certificates of Origin
• Other pertinent records (e.g. list of ingredients, technical standards certificates, etc).

Once the importer submits the Import Declaration, the computerized customs system will alert him of any qualities that fall under the “red line” category even though there is no set list of such attributes (see Step 3). To be ready in the case of categorization in the “red line” category, it is imperative to verify that all relevant documentation is complete prior to any imports.