Import and Export Licenses in Thailand

There are quite a number of products that the foreigners will need permission for. The items are firearms, ships, antiques, Thai musical instruments, sugar cane, weapons, aircraft, military vehicles, handicrafts, ore, food and beverages and wood and wooden products.

If you are foreigner and willing to operate your business in Thailand, you will require obtaining a Thai Foreign Business License.

No, you need not have a Thai Majority of Shareholders when involved in import and export activities. While complying with the Thai regulations, you can carry out the business freely.

Import/Export business is not limited by the Foreign Business Act of 1999, meaning that even foreigners can get involved in this without being a Thai shareholder or without permission from the government.

You will require obtaining an import license if you are trading unfinished clothing parts, intaglio printing machines, color copy machines and used motor vehicles or motorcycles. Additionally, the import of drugs, including chemicals and pharmaceutical products is looked after by the Food and Drug Administration to protect health of the public. On the other hand, the import of antique idols needs a license issued by the Fine Arts Department for the protection of the national cultural artifacts.

It is recommended to speak to the Department of Foreign Trade as they will be able to tell you better about it.