Foreigners can engage in trading activities in Thailand. However, there are certain items that are prohibited and restricted as set by The Customs Department which foreigners must comply with.
Prohibited Items
These are items for which are prohibited either for import into or export out of Thailand. Such prohibited items include:
- Narcotics
- Pornographic materials
- Counterfeit trademark items and IPR infringing items
- Fake notes or coins
- Reserved animals or CITES-listed wildlife
Restricted Items
These are the items that are restricted by law to be imported into or export out of Thailand and thus, requires a permit from related government authorities. The permit must be submitted during Customs formalities. Such restricted items include:
- Buddha image, artifacts, objects, antiques – these requires a permit from the Fine Arts Department
- Guns, bullets, explosives and the equivalent to guns – requires a permit from the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior
- Plants and their parts – requires a permit from the Department of Agriculture
- Living animals and carcass – requires a permit from the Department of Livestock Development
- Food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement – requires a permit from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Vehicle parts – requires a permit from the Ministry of Industry
- Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages – requires a permit from the Excise Department
- Communication Radio Devices and telecommunications equipment – requires a permit from the Office of The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission
Foreigners are allowed to operate an export business as long as they export the goods that are not prohibited and restricted. They can engage in import business as well with the help of their Thai partners. Interested in setting up an import or export company in Thailand? Contact Thai Lawyers now for efficient and professional advice.