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Thailand's B2C Customs Clearance Info and eCommerce Insights
| ID | TH |
| Capital | Bangkok |
| Official Language | Thai |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Population Size | 69.1 million |
Thailand’s E-commerce Market
Thailand’s e-commerce market value is US$3.5 billion at present and is expected to grow to US$5.8 billion by 2022.
As the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand has one of the highest number of internet users in the region – 57 million internet users who are well versed in using digital technologies, mobile, and e-commerce. This growing internet base provides many growth opportunities for e-commerce businesses.
Customs & regulations
Import Duty and Taxes
In Thailand, there is a VAT exemption for online shopping goods valued less than 1,500 Baht purchased from merchants outside of Thailand and shipped into the country.
| Shipment value below 1,500 Baht | |
|---|---|
| Tax | 0% |
| Shipment value above 1,500 Baht | |
|---|---|
| Value-Added Tax (VAT) | 7% |
| Import Duties | 5-30% |
Restricted and Forbidden Goods
Restricted items that must meet certain conditions before going through customs clearance:
- Drugs, food and supplementary products (requires a special license)
- Weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, and real and replica firearms (requires a special license and/or permit)
- Cosmetics
- Wild fauna, flora, fish and other aquatic fauna (requires a special permission)
Prohibited items that cannot be imported into the country:
- Obscene objects/literature/pictures
- Pornographic materials
- Goods with the Thai national flag
- Narcotics e.g. marijuana, hemp, opium, cocaine, morphine, heroin
- Fake currency, bonds, or coins
- Fake Royal Seals/official seals
- Pirated copyright goods e.g. musical tape, CD, VDO, computer software, etc.
- Counterfeit trademark goods
This list may change depending on government regulations. Visit official customs page for the latest version.
Documentation
Documents required by Thailand’s customs clearance include:
1. Packing List
This gives product details, shipment volume in kilogram or cubic meter, and serves as a checklist to ensure shipment has been packed correctly or not.
2. Commercial Invoice
This gives total shipment value usually in US dollar. Helps to determine the import duties and taxes, and eligibility of shipment.
If you are shipping without a logistics partner that can clear customs on your behalf, you may need to include the following shipping documentation as well:
- Certificate of origin
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Insurance policy
- Other relevant permits, licenses, and certificates
Additional information
Payment preferences: Cash On Delivery (COD)
Cash-on-delivery is the most popular payment method in the country, with approximately 70% of the online shoppers preferring this over digital payments. E-commerce sellers who wish to enter this market may want to consider offering this form of payment to attract more customers.
Non-working days in 2020
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays are non-working days. Please expect shipment delays on these days.
List of public holidays:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 | New Year’s Day |
| Jan 25 | Chinese New Year |
| Feb 8 | Makha Bucha Day |
| Apr 6 | Chakri Day |
| Apr 13-16 | Songkran Festival |
| May 1 | Labour Day |
| May 4 | Coronation of King Vajiralongkorn |
| May 6 | Visakha Bucha Day |
| May 13 | Royal Ploughing Ceremony |
| Jul 5 | Asahna Bucha Day |
| Jun 3 | Queen Suthida’s Birthday |
| Jul 5 | Buddhist Lent |
| Jul 6 | Khao Phansa |
| Jul 28 | H.M. King’s Birthday |
| Aug 12 | H.M. Queen’s Mother’s Birthday |
| Oct 13 | The Passing of King Bhumibol |
| Oct 23 | Chulalongkorn Day |
| Dec 5 | King Bhumibol’s Birthday |
| Dec 10 | Constitution Day |
| Dec 31 | New Year’s Eve |
Market Opportunities
Popular E-commerce Item Categories
- Electronics & Media
- Toys, DIY & Hobbies
- Branded Lifestyle Apparel
- Branded Bags & Accessories
- Lifestyle Footwear
Popular Shopping Seasons
| Event Name | Event Period |
|---|---|
| Lunar New Year | Usually in Jan or Feb |
| Lazada Birthday Festival | Apr 25-27 |
| Carnival Summer Sale | Apr 1-2 |
| 9.9 Mobile Shopping Day | Sep 9 |
| Singles’ Day Online Sale | Nov 11 |
| 12.12 Online Sale | Dec 12 |
Popular Shipping Destinations
| EXPORTS | |
|---|---|
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | United States |
| 2 | China |
| 3 | Japan |
| 4 | Hong Kong |
| 5 | Malaysia |
| IMPORTS | |
|---|---|
| Rank | Country |
| 1 | China |
| 2 | Japan |
| 3 | United States |
| 4 | Malaysia |
| 5 | South Korea |
Sources:
ASEAN Briefing (2018) | Thailand Starter Kit (2017) | Deloitte (2017) | The Nation (2018) | ASEAN Briefing (2018) | Thai Customs Department (2016) | Public Holidays (2020) | Statista (2018) | Techsauce (2017) | eShopWorld (2018) | Frost & Sullivan “South East Asia Transportation and Logistics Market” (2017)
Updated as of 17 Oct 2018.
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