DDES Accounting

Trading & Import/Export

Import, export, or sell locally – with the right licenses and customs setup.

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.

Types of Trading 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.

Types of Trading 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 baht 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.

DDES Import Export Trading

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 baht 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.

Warehouse Logistics

Related Business Types

01

BOI

Board of Investment promotion offers tax incentives and 100% foreign ownership for eligible business activities in Thailand.

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02

Representative Office

Establish a representative office in Thailand for market research, quality control, and coordination with Thai suppliers and government agencies.

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03

Service Business

Operating a professional service company in Thailand including consulting, IT, and business services with VAT and withholding tax obligations.

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