Thailand - Import & Export Regulatory Guide
Thailand's customs administration is the Thai Customs Department (TCD) operating the e-Customs paperless clearance and National Single Window. Import controls run through the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), and mandatory standards through the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).
Regulatory authorities
- Customs entry, valuation, e-Customs filings, AEO.
- Import/export licences, C/O issuance, trade remedy.
- Mandatory (compulsory) product standards.
- Thai FDA (Ministry of Public Health)Food, drug, cosmetic, medical device import.
Licensing regimes
| Licence | Scope | Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| Import licence | Regulated goods per Ministerial notifications - agri, chemicals, used machinery. | DFT |
| TISI mandatory standard certificate | Regulated products (electrical appliances, steel, PVC, toys). | TISI |
| Thai FDA import licence + product notification | Food/drug/cosmetic/medical. | Thai FDA |
| AEO / e-Manifest | Trusted trader benefits; MRA with ASEAN, KR, JP, HK. | Thai Customs |
- · Obscene material; goods infringing IPR.
- · Certain used electrical appliances and computers (with narrow exceptions).
- · Precursors and scheduled narcotics.
- · Games and gambling equipment restricted by Ministry of Interior.
- · Sugar & rice - long-standing state trading and TRQ.
- · Steel - AD/CV duties, safeguard.
- · Used cars - narrow permits, high tax.
- · Chemicals - DIW licensing (Hazardous Substances Act).
- · Thai-language labelling for consumer prepackaged products (Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522).
- · Thai FDA notification number on food/cosmetic labels.
- · TISI mandatory-standard mark on regulated products.
- · UNSC measures implemented via Ministerial Regulations under the Prevention & Suppression of Financing of Terrorism Act.
- · No autonomous secondary sanctions.
- · AMLO / TAML lists screened by banks.
Dispute resolution
Customs objection within 30 days; appeal to Board of Appeal, then Tax Court. TAI (Thai Arbitration Institute) at the Office of the Judiciary is the domestic institutional forum. NY Convention party since 1959.
Key official sources
Frequently asked questions (2)
Product-specific rules under ATIGA apply - generally 40% Regional Value Content or Change in Tariff Heading. Form D is issued electronically via the ASEAN Single Window and verified in real-time. Back-to-back Form D is available for intra-ASEAN reshipment.
Approximately 130+ product categories carry compulsory TISI standards - electrical appliances, gas appliances, steel bars/pipes, PVC pipes, toys, portable ladders, safety helmets. Importers must obtain TISI licence before shipment; testing is via TISI-accredited local labs and factory audit.
Compliance-ready templates for cross-border trade
Sanctions screening, KYC and end-use documentation are the first thing customs and correspondent banks check. Start with these free templates.