Quick guide: How to send a package from Thailand to Europe

The European Union (EU) stands as a key partner in Thailand's international trade dynamics, emerging as Thailand's fourth-largest export haven. In 2022 alone, the EU imported Thai goods worth US$28.59 Billion, as the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade reported.

For enterprising businesses, you may have set your sights on the global horizon, and Europe beckons with vast opportunities. But shipping your offerings abroad demands strategy, and it’s imperative to first pinpoint the product categories that resonate with buyers from Europe and specific nations within the EU that present the most promising opportunities for you.

Thailand’s top EU trade partners and exports

A quick glance at the European map of Thai exports shows some bright spots. The Netherlands, for instance, leads as the EU's top destination for Thai merchandise, accounting for an impressive 1.9% of Thailand's total exports in 2022. Germany follows closely, importing goods worth €8.6 billion in 2022, as the Federal Foreign Office shared. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) recorded Thai imports worth US$5.19 billion during the same year, as shared by Trading Economics.

But what exactly are these countries in Europe buying? Citing insights from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Thailand, the main products in demand include:

• Computers and parts
• Precious stones and jewellery
• Air conditioning and parts
• Rubber products
• Electronic integrated circuits

When sending parcels containing your goods to any European country, understanding the shipment regulations is crucial to ensure your products are delivered swiftly and safely.

Requirements for shipping from Thailand to Europe

While countries like Germany and the Netherlands fall under the EU bloc, each has distinctions in specific customs nuances. Meanwhile, with the UK excluded from the bloc, new regulations also apply. Being mindful of these differences is crucial before you send packages of goods from Thailand to Europe to avoid shipment delays. Generally, here are some of the key aspects to consider:

1. De minimis values

De minimis values signify a threshold that determines the value up to which imports are exempt from duty and, in some cases, tax/value-added tax (VAT). This mechanism is particularly beneficial for small businesses as it enables goods with a value below this threshold to bypass the need for formal declaration, expediting the clearance process. Consequently, this not only speeds up the process of sending your parcels from Thailand but also empowers your company to stay competitive in global markets.

In the case of the UK, the country observes a de minimis threshold value for customs duty at £135, as stipulated by the UK government. This means that duties are levied on items valued above this threshold. On the other hand, EU member countries adopt a unified de minimis threshold. In addition to a mandatory VAT, duties are applicable on shipments valued at more than €150, as reported by the European Commission.

2. Documentation

There are several different shipping documents required and the standard ones include:

Economic operators’ registration and identification (EORI) number

Consider an EORI number as a passport for importing. It's a unique identifier for you and your consignments within Europe.

Entry submission declaration (ENS)

An ENS must be submitted by the goods' carrier before your goods reach the UK or EU's initial entry point. The time frame for submission varies based on the transportation method used for international shipping.

Single administrative document (SAD)

The SAD is a crucial customs document in trade, facilitating the import and export of products, and it ensures compliance with trade regulations. The form details information about the goods, including their origin, destination, value, weight, transportation method, and applicable taxes. It should also provide data about the companies involved in the trade and any intermediaries.

Depending on the type of products you export, you may also need to provide the following documents:

Commercial invoice

A crucial document given to buyers in the EU and UK before you send your parcel from Thailand. The commercial invoice offers detailed shipment information for customs clearance in Europe, such as details about the buyer and seller, item descriptions, costs, Harmonised System (HS) codes, and terms of sale, including shipping insurance costs and the country of origin.

Air waybill

The air waybill outlines your shipment details, such as its destination and contents. As a non-negotiable document, only your intended recipient can sign and accept the package delivered.

Packing list

This detailed list ensures safe and proper handling of goods throughout shipping, especially if they have special storage or handling needs.

Certificate of origin (COO)

This document confirms a product's origin, helping customs identify its production, manufacturing, and processing locations. It is obtainable from your local chamber of commerce and facilitates the determination of whether your goods qualify for reduced taxes under free trade agreements.

Certification for port health

This document is required for edible goods or those associated with food and drinks that may pose a threat to public, environmental, and animal health. Examples of certificates under this category include organic, phytosanitary and sanitary certificates.

Test certificates

Some products, like certain electronics, might need test certificates to confirm their safety. Examples of such certifications include the Certificates of Conformity and Electrical/Chemical test reports.

Material safety data sheet (MSDS)

If you're shipping hazardous items, including the MSDS is vital as these sheets classify potential risks and provide guidelines on handling issues, like first aid or firefighting.

Export and import licence

Certain items have restrictions, necessitating specific permits for your business. The majority of such goods are those the government aims to regulate to prevent market oversaturation. These typically include firearms, animal and plant products, dual-use technology, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemicals.

3. Specific customs requirements

Besides ensuring all the mandatory documents are in order, it’s also crucial to note that the UK and each country in the EU also has specific customs regulations pertaining to other aspects of the product. 

Marks and labels

The UK and EU nations typically have specific guidelines for product labelling, which can be obligatory or optional. Essential labels on consumer items and their packaging generally concern public health, safety, or environmental issues. They might offer details about the components of the product or the expiration date.

Restricted or prohibited goods 

Certain categories of goods may be restricted or prohibited. If you intend to send parcels from Thailand to countries in the EU, refer to the Tarif Intégré de la Communauté (TARIC), which outlines the regulations for products entering or leaving the European Union's customs territory. A restricted or banned product will have these codes:

• CITES: Regarding the international trade of endangered species.
• PROHI: Indicates an import suspension.
• RSTR: Signifies an import limitation.

In the case of shipping to the UK, some products subject to import controls include firearms, anti-personnel mines and selected nuclear and chemical goods, and are detailed in the open general import licence (OGIL). Meanwhile, certain food items that pose a potential hazard or contain banned substances are also restricted, including soy sauce with 3-MCPD, jelly sweets, kava kava and spices and palm oils with illegal dyes.

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