Registration to use the electronic customs system (e-Customs system)

All imported and exported goods must be declared to Thai Customs through the e-Customs system.

Before registering to use this system, the enterprise, usually the Thai importer, must possess a digital certificate, which is an electronic signature file used to verify the declarant’s identity and authenticity.

After obtaining the digital certificate, the enterprise registers to use the e-Customs system through the following steps:

- Install the e-Customs software and verify the digital certificate.

- Register with Customs at one of the competent Thai Customs units, such as the Registration and Customs Privileges Sub-Division, the Customs Procedures and Valuation Standard Bureau, or the General Administration Division at customs houses.

- Test the accuracy of the setup and the ability to connect to and exchange information with the e-Customs system.

- After completion of the test, the Information and Communication Technology Department issues a registration ID for use in declarations on the e-Customs system.

Identify the import regime applicable to the goods

Not every type of good may be imported into Thailand, and not all imported goods are subject to the same import regime. Similar to Vietnam, Thailand prohibits or restricts the importation of certain goods, with restricted goods requiring a permit from the relevant state authority. Lists of prohibited and restricted goods are provided in Article 27 of the Thai Customs Act of 1926.

In principle, goods may be freely imported into Thailand except for prohibited and restricted goods.

Goods prohibited from import into Thailand include

• Narcotics
• Pornographic materials
• Counterfeit trademark goods and intellectual property infringing goods
• Counterfeit currency or coins
• Rare animals or wildlife listed under CITES

Restricted goods in Thailand are those that can only be imported into Thailand with a permit from the competent authorities. Examples of restricted goods and their corresponding regulatory authorities are listed in the table below:

Source: Thailand Custom

Therefore, before importing into Thailand, the importer must determine the applicable import regime in order to prepare a complete set of documents.

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade - VCCI

• Process and procedures for importing goods into Thailand
• Classification of goods imported into Thailand
• Determining taxes and fees on imports into Thailand
• Import declaration, tax payment, and customs clearance for goods imported into Thailand