Are you planning on selling foreign-produced goods in Thailand? Then it’s essential that you secure an import license. Issued by the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), the Thai import license requires navigating a complex landscape of legal requirements and documentation.
In this article, we will dive deeper into how to get an import license in Thailand, what are the requirements, and alternative solutions for importing your goods into Thailand quickly and efficiently.
Requirements for Securing an Import License in Thailand
Obtaining a Thai import license is a critical requirement for clearing customs when bringing goods into the country. It serves to ensure that all imported goods comply with national standards and regulations, thereby facilitating release of your goods into Thailand abd reducing the lengthy customs inspection processes.
Without this license, importers may face significant delays, fines, or even the rejection of their shipments at the border. You must submit a comprehensive Goods Declaration along with the import license and other supporting documents to customs officials upon arrival of their shipment.
Here’s what you would need to secure a Thailand import license:
Setting up a company in Thailand
Before applying for an import license, you must first register your business in Thailand. This allows you to establish a legal presence in the country and is a prerequisite for other licenses and requirements. The most common type of legal entity for setting up a trading company or a local distributor is a Thai Limited Liability Company (LLC).
To register your company in Thailand, you will need the following:
- Shareholders – minimum of two shareholders (can be both individuals or corporations). Foreigners can hold up to 49% of the total shares of the company.
- Business address – must have an established address within Thailand. It can be any location provided the property owner agrees in writing to permit the company from using their premises. As an alternative, Emerhub offers virtual addresses for businesses that don’t require physical office space.
- Paid-up capital requirements – if the company wishes to hire foreign talents, the company must maintain a minimum of THB 2 million (~USD 60,000) paid-up capital. For each foreign worker, you must employ at least 4 locals.
To help you get started, Emerhub can help you with your company registration in Thailand. Our local team can manage the submission of your company name and corporate documentation for governmental approval without a physical presence in Thailand. Learn how we can expedite your company registration in Thailand.
Mandatory Licenses for Importing Goods to Thailand
Before importing goods into Thailand, you must secure specific licenses for controlled products, such as pharmaceuticals and food items, which are subject to scrutiny by regulatory bodies like the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, you must register your business with Thai customs to engage in legal trade activities.
With expertise in local regulations and a comprehensive understanding of the necessary documentation, Emerhub streamlines the application process, ensuring compliance and facilitating smoother operations for businesses entering the Thai market.Our local experts can help you obtain all the mandatory licenses for importing goods to Thailand:
- FDA Import License – any company that imports regulated goods, must acquire an FDA import license to ensure public health and uphold safety standards.
- Tobacco and alcohol import license – obtained from the Excise Department of the Ministry of Finance in Thailand.
- License Per Invoice – for specific categories of goods such as medical devices and pharmaceuticals, importers must obtain a separate license for each commercial invoice.
- Special Permits for Controlled Goods
- Antiques and Cultural Artifacts – a permit from the Fine Arts Department is needed for importing antiques.
- Arms and Ammunition – licensing from the Ministry of Interior is required for these items.
- Chemicals and Hazardous Substances – Importers must comply with regulations set by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)
- Antiques and Cultural Artifacts – a permit from the Fine Arts Department is needed for importing antiques.
- Arms and Ammunition – licensing from the Ministry of Interior is required for these items.
- Chemicals and Hazardous Substances – Importers must comply with regulations set by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI)
- Customs Documentation – along with the necessary licenses, importers must also prepare standard customs documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading when clearing goods through customs.
If you want to know more about the Thai FDA regulations and compliance requirements, take a look at our guide to FDA Registration in Thailand.
Securing a Free Sale Certificate
A Free Sale Certificate (FSC) plays a crucial role in importing products into Thailand. This official document is issued by the country where the goods are produced and confirms that these products are legally available for sale in the local market of the exporting country.
The FSC also helps you obtain FDA registration and take advantage of trade agreements. It not only affirms that your goods comply with the regulations of their country of origin but also includes information about the manufacturer, details of the authorized representative (for manufacturers outside the EU), VAT registration number, local inspection reports, and manufacturing certifications.
By providing FDA authorities with access to relevant regulatory information, such as local inspection reports and manufacturing details, the FSC can facilitate a quicker approval process for importing goods into Thailand.
Importer of Record Service - A Faster Alternative to Obtaining an Import License
For foreign businesses looking to simplify their import license process, Emerhub offers an Importer of Record (IOR) service. Acting as your consignee, we oversee the entire importation process through our established logistics network. With the necessary licenses and expertise already in place, Emerhub enables you to commence shipping to Thailand without delay.
Benefits of Using Emerhub's IOR Service:
- Streamlined Process – Emerhub manages all aspects of importing, from securing licenses to product registration, allowing you to focus on other critical areas of your business.
- Regulatory Compliance – With local expertise, Emerhub ensures that all imports comply with Thai regulations, minimizing risks associated with non-compliance.
- Support Throughout the Process – Emerhub provides ongoing support during the importation process, helping you navigate any challenges that may arise.
Using Emerhub’s IOR service can significantly reduce the complexity involved in importing goods into Thailand.
Complete the form below and our team of local compliance specialists will get in touch and start importing your products today!