Customs Clearance for Moves to Thailand

Why Customs Clearance in Thailand Is Complicated

Thailand has strict rules for importing personal effects, and each category of shipper has different entitlements. Missing documents, incorrect declarations, or misunderstanding your status can lead to:

• Unexpected duties & taxes

• Delays at the port or airport

• High storage fees

• Customs inspections

• Shipment rejection

Most issues happen because movers outside Thailand do not understand local customs laws.

We do, and we fix problems before they start.

Who Qualifies for Duty-Free Import Into Thailand?

1️⃣ Foreigners Moving to Thailand (with Work Permit)

Foreign nationals with a valid Non-Immigrant Visa + Work Permit may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods, if:

• Your goods are shipped within 6 months of your arrival
• You have an active work permit / business visa when the shipment arrives
• Items are for personal use (not new items or commercial goods)

Note: New items, alcohol, vehicles, and excess quantities may still attract duties.

2️⃣ Returning Thai Residents (Lived Abroad 12+ Months)

Thai citizens returning after living abroad for at least 12 consecutive months may qualify for duty exemption on used household goods.

Requirements generally include:

• Proof of residence abroad
• Passport immigration history
• Shipping within 6 months of return
• Items must be “used” and in reasonable quantities

Excluded: New goods, duplicated items, high-value electronics in quantity, alcohol, and vehicles.

3️⃣ Diplomatic & Government Personnel

Diplomatic shipments benefit from special clearance channels:

• BOI (Board of Investment) shipments
• Embassy staff
• UN personnel
• Government officials returning from overseas assignment

A1 Relocations Thailand handles the specific documents required for diplomatic immunity and BOI-approved shipments.

What Items Are Restricted or Require Special Permits?

Thailand has several categories that require advance authorization:

We guide you on what is allowed, restricted, or prohibited — and handle all applications where needed.

Our Customs Clearance Process for Moves to Thailand

1️⃣ Pre-Move Assessment (Before Shipping)

This is where we eliminate 90% of potential problems.

We analyze:

• Your visa/work permit status

• Your immigration history

• Documentation requirements

• Duty exemptions you qualify for

• Permits needed for restricted items

• Potential risks or delays

• Expected duties and taxes

This ensures your shipment is fully compliant before it even leaves the origin country.

2️⃣ Documentation Preparation

We prepare and verify:

• Passport & visa copies

• Work permit or BOI documents

• Residence certificate (if needed)

• Inventory list with item values

• Bill of Lading / Air Waybill

• Arrival notification & shipment details

Incorrect documents are the #1 reason shipments fail — our team fixes everything upfront.

3️⃣ Thai Customs Submission

We lodge your import declaration through licensed customs brokers:

• HS code assignment

• Duties & tax calculations

• Submission to Thai Customs e-system

• Coordination with port/airport

• Scheduling inspections (if required)

Because we file hundreds of entries yearly, our declarations are efficient and accurate.

4️⃣ Clearance, Duties & Delivery

After clearance, we manage:

• Payment of duties/taxes (if applicable)

• Release from customs

• Port/airport handling

• Final delivery to your home

• Unpacking & debris removal

A dedicated coordinator manages updates throughout the process.

Why Choose A1 Relocations Thailand for Customs Clearance?

✔ Thailand’s Leading Inbound Customs Specialists

We handle hundreds of inbound moves each year, giving us unmatched real-world experience.

✔ In-House Licensed Customs Brokers

No outsourcing. No third-party mistakes.
Our team navigates Thai regulations daily.

✔ Accurate Duty Estimates Before You Ship

No surprises, no hidden charges, no “extra fees.”

✔ Complete Support for Work Permit, Visa & Residency Status

We know exactly which documents customs will ask for.

✔ Assistance With All Special Permits

Buddha image permits, antiques assessment, electronics quantity rules, etc.

✔ Faster Clearance Through Experience

Because we submit correctly, we ensure all documents are complete the first time.

✔ End-to-End Thailand Moving Services

Packing → Shipping → Customs → Delivery.
Everything under one company.

As a trusted Bangkok moving company, we provide both the relocation and the customs clearance in one seamless workflow.

Costs, Taxes & Timelines

Costs Depend On:

• Shipment size

• Duty exemption eligibility

• Contents of your shipment

• Origin country

• Type of transport (air/sea)

We provide detailed, transparent estimates based on your exact status.

Typical Timeline

• Sea freight clearance: 5–7 days after arrival

• Air freight clearance: 3–5 days

• Diplomatic clearance: 2-3 weeks, pending DP1 Approval

Delays occur mainly when paperwork is incorrect — something we prevent through pre-move checks.