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Import/Export

United States to Thailand

Country or Territory Regulations Topics:

Commodity Specific Stipulations

There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to Thailand. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.

Animal Skins, carcass, stuffed animals including insect and bugs
Shipments of animal skins/ Fossils require a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) certificate.

These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Department of Livestock Development

**The import of wildlife conservation requires an import license from Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation
The import of wildlife Reserved animals or CITES-listed wildlife are prohibited.

Shipments of cellular telephones require an import license from and registration with the Telecommunication Department.
Coffee weighing more than 5 kg must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration

Coffee weighing less than 5 kg must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process and the Importers can submit document to FDA Department for license exemption upon cargo arrival.

Shipments of Communication Items/ Communication Equipments require an import license from the Telecommunication Dept. - National Broadcasting & Telecommunication Commission.
Example products: Serums/Lotion, Cream/Shampoo/Shower gel
Cosmetics more than 6 SKUs (identical model & color) must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration
Cosmetics more than 6 SKUs (identical model & color) must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process and the Importers can submit document to FDA Department for license exemption upon cargo arrival.
Limit is 2 credit cards
Shipments of dairy products require an import license from the Food and Drug Administration. Sample with quantity limit about 4 liters or 4 kgs, can apply for license exemption from FDA upon arrival.

Please see more information on FDA in Additional Import Documentation.

These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The consignee must obtain an import permit from the Thailand Ministry of Health. Only commercial shipments or those consigned to companies (B2B) will be cleared by UPS Thailand.
Shipments consigned to individuals (B2C) will not be cleared by UPS due to the strict regulatory requirements from the Thailand Ministry of Health.
Shipments of used electrical items require approval and certification from the Industrial Factory Department.
Eye Wear (contact lenses/ eyesight glasses)

These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration.

This products cannot be imported or exported from Thailand without a license or documentation specifying the details of the product. Requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration and The Ministry of Public Health.

Weight restrictions are imposed by the Food and Drug Association in Thailand on edible products imported as samples. Depending on the commodity the weight can range from 1 kg to 10 kgs.

Sample with the following quantity limits can apply for a license exemption from FDA upon arrival

  • Chocolate - 1.5kgs
  • Jam, Jelly - 16 x 250 grams
  • Sauce - 12 x 250 grams
  • Semi-process food - 30 pieces
  • Butter/Cheese - 4 x 300 grams
  • Vinegar - 2 liters
  • Mineral waters - 12 x 1 liters
  • Food Additives - 500 grams
  • Flavoring materials - 500 grams

    • Shipments consigned to individuals (personal shipments) are not allowed due to strict FDA regulations.

    Shipments require an import license from the Ministry of Commerce.
    Shipments require an import license from the Ministry of Commerce.

    Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shipments consigned to individual customers (B2C) will not be cleared by UPS Thailand. Importing PPE shipments consigned to individuals (B to C) shipments is now prohibited.
    Only commercial shipments or those consigned to companies (B2B) will be cleared by UPS Thailand.

    Medical Devices/items these kind of products cannot be imported or exported from Thailand without an FDA license or documentation specifying the details of the product.

    Example products: Body support, a soft splint, a massager, a snore-reducer, a scanner for the nervous system or the brain, meters for blood pressure, Meso, Botulinum toxin (Botox), wheelchair, teeth retainer, body stimulate are defines as medicinal goods in Thailand
    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration

    Mask Protection
    Mask more than 200 pieces must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration
    Mask less than 200 pieces must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process but the Importer and the Importers can submit document to FDA Department for license exemption upon cargo arrival.

    Products containing medicinal ingredients such as hair growth serum, scar treatment cream

    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Excise Department.

    Customs clearance for B2B services are provided by UPS Thailand.

    For B2C/ C2C shipments, the importer must designate an alternate broker for clearance as UPS Thailand does not offer clearance service.

    Defense Articles/Commodities /Military equipment Includes the following (this is not all inclusive and only a guideline): Military Aircraft parts, Military Motor vehicles, Tanks, night vision goggles', weapons, firearms, Artillery, Ammunition, Missiles, Explosives, military training equipment and protective personnel equipment, military electronics, space systems, nuclear weapons, Submersible vessels.
    • The export or import of defense articles which fall under the US State Department (DDTC) or ITAR control require special care to ensure shipments are presented to US Customs at the time of exportation or importation.
    • Failure to do so may result in penalties, seizure of the shipment.
    • Shippers who fail to provide the proper documentation and export details will have shipments returned to the shipper immediately.

    UPS has compliance responsibilities under Export Administrator Regulations (EAR) and must know their customers and be aware of suspicious circumstances that may be present in an export transaction.

    State Department Controlled shipments are those shipments which require either a State Department License (SDL) or SDL Exemption, also referred to as ITAR shipments.)

    UPS (small package) State Department License (SDL) or State Department License Exemption (SDL Exemption) controlled shipments are prohibited to and from this country or territory.
    Please note that UPS Freight Forwarding can address the customer's delivery needs by transporting these restricted shipments via alternate routes that bypass China.

    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires the importer apply FORM DP.

    Drone These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.

    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Food and Drug Administration
    Customs clearance for B2B services are provided by UPS Thailand.
    The importer must designate an alternate broker for clearance of B2C, C2C shipments.
    Shipments of pharmaceutical supplies require an import license from the Food and Drug Administration and The Ministry of Public Health.

    Please see more information on FDA in Additional Import Documentation.

    Shipments of radios and radio equipment require an import license from the Telecommunication Department.
    Shipments of satellite equipment require an import license from the Telecommunication Department.

    Cellular Telephones, Communication Radio Devices, Satellite Equipment
    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.
    *Cellular Telephones require Model number, Brand and Country of manufacturer for apply license The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications. Require shipper provide these information in invoice.
    Cellular Telephones require Model number, Brand and Country of manufacturer for apply license The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications. Require shipper provide these information in invoice.

    For B2C shipment:
    Toys more than 6 pieces must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI).
    Toys less than 6 pieces must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process and the Importers can submit document to Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) for license exemption upon cargo arrival.
    B2B shipment must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process and the Importers can submit document to Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) for license exemption upon cargo arrival.

    *Video Games
    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)

    Shipments of used electrical devices require an import license from the Industrial Factory Department.
    Example products: Pet medicine, shampoo, food, any product for animal
    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Livestock Department.
    Shipments require an import license from the Ministry of Commerce.
    Shipments of nutritional supplements and/or vitamins require an import license from the Thailand Ministry of Health. Only commercial shipments or those consigned to companies (B2B) will be cleared by UPS Thailand.
    Shipments consigned to individuals (B2C) will not be cleared by UPS due to the strict regulatory requirements from the Thailand Ministry of Health.

    Wood
    Example products: Woods, Product that made from wood
    *These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Department of Agriculture in Thailand

    Prohibited or Restricted Commodities

    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process and can only be transported with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract and requires an import license from the Excise Department.

    The importer must designate an alternate broker for clearance as UPS Thailand does not offer service for B2B or B2C clearance of these items.

    Artwork shipments are restricted from Europe, the Middle East and Africa and can only be shipped with an International Special Commodities (ISC) contract.
    Paintings or other works of art can be accepted if the artist is still alive, the artwork is replaceable, and an art dealer or gallery has appraised the artwork within the last year. If the declared value of the artwork is greater than $100.00 and there is a claim, the shipper must provide a copy of the original invoice, a bill of sale, or other proof certifying in writing the actual cost or replacement cost of the item.

    Artwork includes the following: Original engravings, prints, lithographs, original sculptures, statuary. The term "Artwork" does not apply to architectural, engineering, industrial, topographical, commercial drawings, hand-painted or hand-decorated manufactured articles.
    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires a certificate from the Thai Fine Arts Department.

    Includes the following (this is not all inclusive and only a guideline): Military Aircraft parts, Military Motor vehicles, Tanks, night vision goggles', weapons, firearms, Artillery, Ammunition, Missiles, Explosives, military training equipment and protective personnel equipment, military electronics, space systems, Nuclear Weapons, Submersible vessels.
    • The export or import of defense articles which fall under the US State Department (DDTC) or ITAR control require special care to ensure shipments are presented to US Customs at the time of exportation or importation.
    • Failure to do so may result in penalties, seizure of the shipment.
    • Shippers who fail to provide the proper documentation and export details will have shipments returned to the shipper immediately.

    UPS has compliance responsibilities under Export Administrator Regulations (EAR) and must know their customers and be aware of suspicious circumstances that may be present in an export transaction.

    State Department Controlled shipments are those shipments which require either a State Department License (SDL) or SDL Exemption, also referred to as ITAR shipments.)

    UPS (small package) State Department License (SDL) or State Department License Exemption (SDL Exemption) controlled shipments are prohibited to and from this country or territory.

    Please note that UPS Freight Forwarding can address the customer's delivery needs by transporting these restricted shipments via alternate routes that bypass China.

    Electronic Cigarettes are prohibited.
    Guns, bullets, explosives, the equivalents to guns, and gun accessories

    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Ministry of Interior.

    The importer must designate an alternate broker for clearance as UPS Thailand does not offer clearance service for B2B or B2C shipments.

    TThese shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license of any jewelry items of gold.

    Gold items are controlled by the government under the Customs and Currency Exchange Act.
    A surcharge of 2,500 BHT may be imposed for jewelry shipments importing into Thailand when the airline charges United Parcel Service for the additional cost of a master airway bill.
    High risk export shipments over 100 USD in value, containing jewelry, precious metals including silver and gold plate, are to be shipped in metal cases covered by corrugated boxes.
    Shipments of jewelry can be shipped if the value does not exceed US$500.00 or the local currency equivalent per package.

    Jewelry for which the retail price is lower than US$150.00 per item, and which do not contain precious metal(s) and/or stone(s) are considered costume jewelry and can be shipped only up to this value from the origin country or territory.

    Rough Diamonds - Kimberley Process Certificate is required.

    Thai airways only accept Lithium Battery as follows:

    Lithium Ion batteries section II of PI966 and PI967

    Lithium Metal batteries section II of PI969 and PI970

    All batteries shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from Thai Industrial Standards Institute Ministry of Industry

    Marbles
    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Department of Foreign Trade.

    Measuring Equipment
    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Central Bureau of Weights and Measures, Department of Internal Trade

    Excisable goods, for example, perfume, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, medicines and perishable food cannot be cleared as personal effects.
    *Customers must use an authorized UPS / MBE (Mail Boxes Etc) Store, UPS Customer Center or ISC Approved Shipper to ship personal effects.

    The UPS Store, Mailboxes Etc, UPS Customer Center or ISC approved shipper will be required to identify personal effect shipments on the shipping label by placing "Personal Effects" in the Reference Field of a UPS "smart" label or in the Special Instructions Field of a UPS waybill. They must also clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' shipment on the Commercial Invoice.

    Personal effects shipments are not allowed in combination with Return Services.

    These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process and the Importers can submit document to Customs TH for duties exemption upon cargo arrival.

    Plants and their parts
    Before importing plants or components into Thailand, the shipper must provide an original Phytosanitary Form and a declaration that product is non-GMO.
    **These shipments must be imported into Thailand under Formalities Process which requires an import license from the Department of Agriculture in Thailand
    **Phyto (Phytosanitary) certificates are issued to indicate that consignments of plants, plant products or other regulated articles meet specified phytosanitary import requirements and are in conformity with the certifying statement of the appropriate model certificate.
    Products made in Iran are prohibited in our service due to a current embargo.

    NOTE: Information provided by UPS is provided AS IS, may not be current, and does not constitute legal advice. In no event shall UPS be liable for any errors in the information, forms or features made available by UPS, or by any third party site linked to from UPS. Selection and completion of proper forms for any given shipment is the sole responsibility of the shipper. All shipments are subject to the UPS Terms and Conditions of Service in effect at the time of shipping for the country or territory of origin.
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