Types of Trading
Importing
Register with Thai Customs, classify your products with the right HS codes, pay import duties (rates vary from 0% to 80% depending on the product), and comply with product regulations. The FDA controls food and pharmaceuticals. TISI handles industrial standards. We help with customs registration and duty calculations.
Exporting
Good news for exporters: your sales are VAT zero-rated (0% instead of 7%), meaning you collect no VAT from customers and can claim refunds on all your input VAT. You’ll need proper export documentation, customs declarations, and certificates of origin. BOI promotion is available for export-oriented businesses.
Local Trading
Buying and selling within Thailand. If you’re foreign-owned, you likely need a Foreign Business License from the DBD (minimum 3 million THB capital per activity). Alternatively, BOI promotion or a Thai-majority structure can bypass this requirement. You must comply with the Trade Competition Act and product labeling laws.
The Foreign Business Act Issue
Trading is on List 3 of the Foreign Business Act, meaning foreign-majority companies need a license to do it. The license requires 3 million THB minimum capital, a detailed business plan, and DBD committee approval. It takes 2-4 months and isn’t guaranteed.
Alternatives: BOI promotion (if you qualify), Thai-majority company structure (51% Thai ownership), or US-Thai Treaty of Amity (for American companies).
Customs Compliance
All importers and exporters must register with Thai Customs and use the electronic declaration system. Keep records for 5 years: the Customs Department can audit you anytime. Mis-classifying products or undervaluing imports leads to fines and potential criminal charges.
We assist with customs registration and connect you with licensed customs brokers for the logistics side.
Related Business Types
We handle this for you: Company Registration Thai Company (51/49)
Katwalee Matar (Lee)
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
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