DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

All shipments must be marked on the OBL or MAWB as:
"Used HHG & Personal Effects"

For all inbound shipments we must have:

• Client's actual passport for Customs clearance.
• Client's copy of passport to collect DO and start the import process .
• OBL or AWB
• Packing list
• Actual 1 Year Work Permit (if available)

With all documentation in order, clearance typically takes 3-5 working days.

Failure to provide the above documents and to follow the above procedures / instructions can cause customs clearance delays and result in higher import fees to the owner. 

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

Returning Thai:
Only a full 1 year work permit or 1 year new visa which is issued in Thailand will be considered for duty exemption.
No other work permit will be considered. It must be exactly 1 year. Original permit must be presented to customs for inspection. Bond facility or letter stating application is in process or pending is not available or acceptable. Only the actual permit can be submitted to Customs. 
Futhermore...the following restrictions must also always be met, otherwise entire shipment will be classified non-exempt:

• Shipment must originate from same country as owner's last place of residence or work.
• Shipment must arrive in Thailand not earlier than 3 months to owner's arrival/return to Thailand and not later than 6 months afterwards.
• Only one electrical item is allowed, i.e. if owner has 3 fridges, full duty will be assessed on the two more expensive units. 
• Only goods owned and used more than 6 months are eligible for duty exemption. New goods are subject to full duty.
• Computers, fax machines and phones can sometimes cause problems as may not be considered as HHG or personal effects but rather as dutiable office equipment.
• Only 1 shipment by sea and 1 shipment by air is permissible under duty-free privilege.
• Only a "reasonable" volume of goods (determined by Customs) may be imported duty-free per shipper. As a guide, normally up to 1x40' container is acceptable.

Non-exempt from Duty:
High duties are placed on all goods if client is deemed to not  have been overseas continuously for at least a full year or more. Especially high duties apply to electrical goods, carpets and luxury goods. 

Note:

• Client does not need to be personally physically present at clearance. 
• We cannot clear Household Goods & Personal Effects shipments outside Bangkok, such as Phuket, Chiangmai, Koh Samui, etc. Therefore all shipments must be cleared at Bangkok and then transported to final destination.
• Any costs incurred as a result of delays in provision of original passport  will be for account of the shipper. It is the client's  responsibility to ensure the original passport is provided to our office in Bangkok. 

DUTIABLE RESTRICTED ITEMS

This list is a guideline only and subject to customs own interpretations. 

The above rates are subject to VAT 7%.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Prohibited articles include firearms, ammunition, pornographic literature, short-wave radios, medical equipment, gold and silver. 

We suggest always to contact the destination agent in advance if in any doubt and to fax us a copy of packing list should owner/agent wish to have any possible problem items determined / assessed. 

MOTOR VEHICLES

Please note importation of a car to Thailand is highly problematical and often a very lengthy process.

• If importing a new car to Thailand, the vehicle model must be approved by Thai Industrial Standard Institute.
• If the vehicle model is not allowed from Thai Industrial Standard Institute the client must apply for import license, according to directive 93/59/EEC.
• If importing a used car to Thailand, client must apply for an import permit from the Ministry of Commerce before the car can be shipped, it can not be shipped prior to application, whilst in transit or once arrived.
• Must have drivers license for at least one year and six months. 
• If a Thai Citizen the person must be over seas in that country for more than 2 years.
• Car Documents (original documents for all are required):
  • Purchase Order
  • Photo of car (or car model catalogue if applicable) and full description of any extras, i.e. Hi-Fi, etc.
  • Passport
  • Car registration 
  • Client drivers license

Duties on imported car not exceeding 2300i CC is approx. 200-270% depending upon the model, year etc. for cars over 2300 CC duty can be up to 600%.

PETS

Please note we need the following information for each pet for processing of import permits:

• Pet's name
• Age
• Sex
• Breed
• Color
• Size/weight

Additionally, the following is required at least three days prior to arrival:

• Copy of owner's passport (just page showing name, picture, etc.).
• Copy of Vaccination and Health certificates.
• Flight details

Note: 
Vaccination and health certificates should be arranged at origin prior to flight.
There is no quarantine required for Thailand.

Pets as excess baggage:
Pets can simply be taken through customs as one would normally do when carrying your baggage after a flight.  Customs may request import permit. There is no documented duty amounts are indicated a nominal clearance fee per pet will  usually be negotiated. Pets traveling under "excess baggage status" have no time restrictions regarding their travel. 

Pets as cargo/freight:
Pets must clear customs at cargo terminal. The process can take many hours. Must present import permit to customs and duty will be assessed. Whilst no documented duty amounts are indicated generally about 30% of freight cost is imposed as duty plus the larger the animal the higher the duty. Duties anywhere from US$150 to US$1,000 are quite typical. 

It is recommended that pets be brought into Thailand as "excess baggage" and not as freight via the  airport cargo section.