Thailand has long been known for the majesty of its elephants, beauty of its beaches, and benevolence of its Buddhism.
But it is bustling Bangkok and its skyscrapers that best shows Thailand's modern, export-driven economy. And the Thais are well equipped to enjoy their good fortune. Over 80% of them use the internet and revenues in e-commerce are enjoying healthy yearly returns.
And that should boom further as Thailand rolls out 5G technology in 2020.
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Thailand through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Thailand. Whether you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Thailand
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Hua Hin, HU, TH
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Chiang Mai, CH, TH
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Ayutthaya, AY, TH
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Bangkok, BA, TH
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Thailand before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
Thai citizens returning to Thailand after living in Canada may ship used household effects duty and tax free.
The conditions are:
You have owned and used the goods during your stay in Canada
You have lived in Canada for at least 1 year
The quantities of goods are reasonable in number, i.e. suitable to your family's size
Moving Temporarily
There is no information available at this time regarding moving temporarily to Thailand.
Moving Permanently
If you are either a Thai citizen or non-Thai resident moving to Thailand from Canada, you are allowed to ship your used household effects duty and tax free.
To be exempt from paying duties and taxes, you must follow the conditions below:
The goods are in reasonable quantities, i.e. suitable to your family's size
You have owned and used the goods before arriving in Thailand
You may ship only type of each electrical appliance, e.g. radio, televisions
Your goods must arrive no earlier than 1 month before your arrival, and no later than 6 months after
Personal Effects Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Indicate 'Personal Effects' on the commercial invoice (see sample)
Non-residents must present a non-immigrant visa from the Immigration Department
Mr. Chulalongkorn Dusit District Bangkok 10 300 Thailand
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
5 Pairs
Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes
IN
$40.00
1 Each
Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket
CA
$478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Personal Effects Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Food, Chocolate, Candies
Generally, food cannot be shipped to Thailand without a licence or documentation describing the product. However, some foodstuffs may be shipped as samples* (See UPS site, Commodity Specific Stipulations).
You May Ship
The following items are allowed to be shipped as samples to the maximums shown:
Coffee (500 g or less) - See UPS site, Commodity Specific Stipulations
Chocolate (1.5 kg)
Jams and jellies (16 x 250 g)
Sauces (12 x 250 g)
Semi-processed foods (30 pieces)
Butter and cheese (4 x 300 g)
Vinegar (2 L)
Mineral waters (12 x 1 L)
Food additives (500 g)
Flavoring materials (500 g)
Do Not Ship
Personal shipments of foods to any individual in Thailand is disallowed by the Thai Food and Drug Administration.
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments
Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies
Ship To
Invoice
Mr. Chulalongkorn Dusit District Bangkok 10 300 Thailand
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent / Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Samples
Commercial samples are shipped to encourage orders for products and are not intended to be sold. Commercial samples may be shipped
to Thailand from Canada duty-free* providing:
They are of no commercial value, i.e. cannot be exchanged for money
They are to be displayed only
They are not restricted or prohibited items
The goods stay a maximum of 6 months (this may be extended by approval from the Director General of the Customs Department)
*A security guarantee is required in the amount of 20% of appraised taxes plus 2% of appraised taxes per month.
Commercial Sample Checklist
A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample
Mr. Chulalongkorn Dusit District Bangkok 10 300 Thailand
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Box
Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.
CA
$20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Commercial Sample Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Advertising Material
Advertising literature may be admitted to Thailand duty-free* providing the shipment weighs less than 5 kg. Other forms of advertising material
intended for general display or for meetings, fairs, and exhibitions, must follow the rules below:
The goods may only stay in Thailand for 6 months (this may be extended by approval from the Director General of the Customs Department)
In the case of meetings, the goods may only remain in Thailand for 3 months (not extendable)
The goods are not for sale
*A security is required in the amount of 120% of the appraised tax plus 2% of tax per month
Advertising Material Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Mr. Chulalongkorn Dusit District Bangkok 10 300 Thailand
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment for repair may be shipped to Thailand from Canada duty-free*. The equipment may stay for a maximum of 6 months, however, it may be extended with permission from the Director General of the Customs Department.
*A security guarantee is required in the amount of 120% of appraised taxes plus 2% of appraised taxes per month.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Thailand and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
GST will be charged if an item is sent to Thailand for repairs and is no longer under warranty. GST will be applied to the value of the repair work plus any parts added for the repair, and on any duties charged.
Sending Product for Repair to Thailand
Equipment for repair may be shipped to Thailand from Canada duty-free*. The equipment may stay for a maximum of 6 months, however, it may be extended with permission from the Director General of the Customs Department.
*A security guarantee is required in the amount of 120% of appraised taxes plus 2% of appraised taxes per month.
Returning Repaired Product to Thailand
If a piece of equipment has been repaired in Canada, it must be returned to Thailand within 1 year of its departure so that no duties are incurred.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Thailand or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Mr. Chulalongkorn Dusit District Bangkok 10 300 Thailand
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Thailand allows the admission of temporary imports duty-free* providing they are re-exported within 6 months of their arrival.Temporary imports must arrive in Thailand no earlier than 1 month before, and not later than 6 months, from your arrival.
Examples of goods that qualify for temporary admission include:
Equipment used for educational demonstrations and scientific experiments
Items for theatrical and musical performances by visiting artists
Cinematographic, photographic, and sound recording equipment
Tools and equipment used for construction and development work
*A security guarantee is required in the amount of 120% of appraised taxes plus 2% of appraised taxes per month.
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Thailand, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than 6 months in Thailand
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Mr. Chulalongkorn Dusit District Bangkok 10 300 Thailand
Phone: 84 24 37563474
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Thailand. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Thailand, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
Thailand calculates duties based on the CIF value of a shipment (customs value plus insurance plus freight charges).
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
Knowing the CIF value will enable you to predict how much the recipient will be charged for their goods.
Thresholds
Goods will be exempt from paying duties and taxes if their value is 1,500 THB (about $65 CAD) or less. This is known as the de minimis value.
Currency
Thai baht (THB)
Duty Exemption
(De minimis Value)
THB 1,500 (about $65 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)*
7%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
0 THB
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
Duties on Imports
In addition to import duties, certain goods such as tobacco products and alcoholic beverages incur excise taxes. Details for these products may be found
here.
The first set of tariff cuts started in January 2019, and once fully implemented 99% of all trade duties will be eliminated.
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Thailand from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 2-3 months to complete the delivery.
