Import: Registration Requirements

Importers of regulated products must pre-register with government agencies.

Import License for all Imports

Prior to the arrival of the shipment, an import license must be requested from and approved by the Foreign Trade Department, Ministry of Commerce. An Import License is valid for three months from the date of issue unless otherwise specified on the license.

Three types of licenses are used in Thailand:

Non-Automatic License: This covers a majority of items, especially agricultural goods.
Special Measures License: This is applied to yellowfin tuna for environmental conservation, and wood and sawn wood from Myanmar.
Licensing for the protection of public morals and public health

Alcohol

Importers are required to obtain a license issued by the Excise Department, Ministry of Finance if they plan to:

Import more than a liter of alcohol
Transport untaxed alcohol from a factory
Transport more than 10 liters of alcohol
Transport more than one liter but less than 10 liters of alcohol between specified territories (provinces)
Sell alcoholic beverages

Petroleum Products

To import the following, the importer must be registered with the Department of Energy as a trader under Section 7 of the Fuel Trade Act, B.E. 2543:

Naphtha
Gasoline
Diesel fuel
Paraffin

Uncut Diamonds

To import uncut diamonds, importers must register with the Department of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Commerce.

Note: The above information is subject to change. Importers are advised to obtain the most current information from a customs broker, freight forwarder, or the local customs authorities.