A quick and easy guide for shipping to Asian countries for Thai exporters

Asia is a powerhouse of international trade, representing a massive and lucrative market for Thai exporters. With its diverse economies and ever-growing consumer base, there is a wealth of opportunities for businesses in Thailand looking to expand their reach. Thai businesses need efficient and reliable shipping solutions to win over new customers, such as DHL Express's ability to deliver shipments within Asia in just one day.

For local businesses looking to expand, one of the key areas to get right is to streamline their international shipping from Thailand. To do so, they must have a solid understanding of import regulations in the destination country and de minimis values, which can significantly impact shipping costs. In this guide, we’ll provide Thai exporters with quick and easy essential information on key Asian markets, empowering them to confidently tap into the region's vast e-commerce opportunity.

Must-Know import regulations and de minimis values when shipping to Asia

To avoid unexpected costs and delays when shipping to Asia, Thai businesses must be well-versed in the import regulations and de minimis values of their target countries.

Shipping from Thailand to China

• China’s import regulations: Import regulations in China are strict. Thai exporters would do well to pay careful attention to product classification under the Harmonized System (HS) Code. Many goods require licenses, permits, and thorough documentation.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit goods, certain publications, and endangered species are strictly prohibited. Restricted items include food products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, which often require special permits and may be subject to quotas.
• De Minimis value: There is no De Minimis for e-commerce or courier shipments into China. All commercial imports, regardless of value, will be subject to duty and taxes.¹ 
• Free Trade Agreements with Thailand: Thailand and China are both members of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA), which offers preferential tariff rates for a wide range of goods. 
• Key Authorities: The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) is the primary customs authority. Other relevant bodies include the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR).

Learn more about shipping from Thailand to China.

Shipping from Thailand to Hong Kong

• Hong Kong’s import regulations: Most goods can be imported freely, with minimal restrictions and straightforward documentation requirements.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Controlled items like pharmaceuticals, firearms, ammunition, explosives, endangered species, and illegal drugs require licenses.
• De Minimis value: Hong Kong does not impose a De Minimis value. Additionally, it is a free port, so taxes, duties and fees will not be charged on most imports. The exception is excise duties on liquors, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil, and methyl alcohol.²
• Free Trade Agreements: Hong Kong has a free trade agreement with ASEAN, which includes Thailand, eliminating tariffs on most goods traded between Hong Kong and ASEAN member states.
• Key Authorities: The Customs and Excise Department in Hong Kong is responsible for enforcing import regulations.

Read what Thai exporters should know about shipping from Thailand to Hong Kong.

Shipping from Thailand to South Korea

• South Korea’s import regulations: South Korea follows a comprehensive and rigid import declaration guideline before goods are allowed into the country. Pay attention to tariff classifications and submission of documents for import declaration.³ 
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Restricted items include agricultural, forest, livestock, fishery, plant products and specific types of animal products. Guns, narcotics, pornography, subversive material, treasonous material and counterfeit goods are prohibited from entering South Korea.⁴
• De Minimis Value: The De Minimis value for goods from Thailand is 150 USD.
• Free Trade Agreements: The ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Agreement (AKFTA) provides preferential tariff rates for numerous goods traded between Thailand and South Korea.
• Key Authorities: The Korea Customs Service (KCS) oversees import procedures.

Shipping from Thailand to Malaysia

• Malaysia’s import regulations: Pay attention to Halal permits and approvals for certain goods, such as food products, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications equipment, and chemicals. Accurate labeling and compliance with safety standards are essential.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Prohibited items include pornography, gambling materials, and products that infringe on intellectual property rights.
• De Minimis value: Malaysia’s De Minimis value is set at MYR500.⁵
• Free Trade Agreements: As members of ASEAN, Thailand and Malaysia enjoy duty-free trade for most goods under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement.
• Key Authorities: Royal Malaysian Customs Department is the main authority for customs matters.

Shipping from Thailand to the Philippines

• Philippine’s import regulations: Import regulations can vary based on the type of product. Certain goods require import licenses, especially agricultural products, food products, and regulated items like chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Prohibited items include illegal drugs, firearms, explosives, and certain hazardous materials.
• De Minimis value: The De Minimis value for the Philippines is 10,000 PHP. Shipments below this value may be eligible for simplified clearance procedures.⁵
• Free Trade Agreements: The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement facilitates duty-free trade for most goods between Thailand and the Philippines.
• Key Authorities: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is responsible for customs procedures.

Shipping from Thailand to Taiwan

• Taiwan’s import regulations: Import regulations for Taiwan are generally straightforward, with clear procedures and documentation requirements.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Some goods, such as agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, weapons, and certain chemicals, require permits or licenses.
• De Minimis value: Taiwan has a De Minimis value of 2,000 TWD.⁵
• Free Trade Agreements: While there's no formal free trade agreement between Thailand and Taiwan, both are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which promotes trade liberalization and economic cooperation in the region.
• Key Authorities: The Taiwan Customs Administration oversees import procedures.

Shipping from Thailand to Singapore

• Singapore’s import regulations: Thai exporters can benefit from Singapore’s fairly open import regulations, but controlled items like pharmaceuticals, firearms, animals, and certain plants require permits. Accurate product classification and compliance with labeling requirements are important.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Prohibited items include chewing gum, illegal drugs, and endangered species.
• De Minimis value: Duty and tax will be charged on imports into Singapore if the total CIF value of the import exceeds 400 SGD.
• Free Trade Agreements: The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement ensures duty-free trade between Thailand and Singapore for most goods.
• Key Authorities: Singapore Customs is the primary authority for customs matters.

Learn how to ship from Thailand to Singapore.

Shipping from Thailand to Vietnam

• Vietnam’s import regulations: Vietnam categorizes goods based on risk. Certain products, such as electronics, cosmetics, and food, require licenses or certifications to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Restricted items include firearms, explosives, certain chemicals, and products that violate intellectual property rights.
• De Minimis value: Vietnam has a De Minimis value of 1,000,000 VND.
• Free Trade Agreements: The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement facilitates duty-free trade for most goods between Thailand and Vietnam.
• Key Authorities: The General Department of Vietnam Customs handles customs matters.

Shipping from Thailand to Japan

• Japan’s import regulations: Japan has strict import regulations, and compliance with product standards and labeling requirements is crucial. Certain goods require import licenses or certifications.
• Notable restricted/prohibited goods: Firearms, ammunition, explosives, counterfeit goods, and certain agricultural products are prohibited or restricted.
• De Minimis value: Japan has a De Minimis value of 10,000 JPY for most goods.
• Free Trade Agreements: The Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA) provides preferential tariff rates for a wide range of goods.
• Key Authorities: The Japan Customs agency oversees import procedures.

DHL Express: Your Gateway from Thailand to Asia

Looking to expand your business regionally and take advantage of e-commerce opportunities in Asia? DHL Express is your ideal partner for navigating the complexities of international shipping from Thailand.

• Intra-Asia expertise and speed: With our extensive network and deep understanding of the Asia Pacific region, we offer seamless and fast shipping throughout Asia. Enjoy door-to-door delivery to major Asian cities at competitive rates.
• Reliable and efficient delivery: Meet your customers' expectations with our reliable and efficient shipping services. We prioritize speed and security, ensuring your shipments arrive on time and in perfect condition.
• E-commerce solutions: Simplify your cross border e-commerce operations with our tailored solutions for online businesses. We offer integrated solutions for shipping, tracking, and customs clearance, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Enhance your customer experience with the power of speed! DHL Express leverages its extensive network to deliver shipments within Asia in just one day, allowing Thai exporters to confidently navigate the intricacies of shipping to Asia, including accurate HS code classification and customs clearance, to unlock the immense potential of the region's dynamic e-commerce landscape. Create a DHL Express business account today and discover how we can help your business thrive in Asia.