Key Takeaways

• Prohibited goods and restricted goods are not the same. Prohibited goods cannot be imported or exported under applicable law, while restricted goods may be handled if the required permits, certificates, or other conditions are met.
• A carrier's acceptance of a shipment does not mean that the goods comply with Customs regulations or the destination country's rules.
• Goods such as food, cosmetics, medicines, plants, animals, electrical appliances, communication devices, chemicals, and specialized products should be checked against applicable regulations before booking.
• The HS Code is important for checking whether measures or permits may apply, but it should not be considered in isolation.
• Product laws and destination-country requirements can change, so the latest requirements should be checked before every shipment.

What Is the Difference Between Prohibited Goods and Restricted Goods?

Before importing or exporting, it is important to clearly distinguish between these two terms.

What Are Prohibited Goods?

Prohibited Goods are goods that the law forbids from being imported, exported, or transited through the Kingdom under specified conditions.

If goods fall under a prohibition, having a Freight Forwarder or complete shipping documents does not make the shipment permissible.

Examples of goods that may be subject to legal prohibitions include:

• Narcotic drugs and substances prohibited by law
• Certain counterfeit goods
• Counterfeit banknotes, coins, or financial documents
• Goods that infringe intellectual property rights under applicable legal conditions
• Certain objects or media prohibited by law
• Other goods prohibited under specific legislation

The actual list of prohibited goods must be checked against the laws in force on the date the shipment is handled.

What Are Restricted Goods or Goods Subject to Restrictions?

Restricted Goods are goods that may be imported or exported in certain circumstances, but specific conditions must be met beforehand.

These conditions may include:

• Import Permit
• Export Permit
• Product Registration
• Certificate
• Inspection
• License
• Mandatory Standards
• Quota
• Label Requirement

Requirements depend on the product and the responsible authority.

Therefore, the term

“Restricted Goods”

does not mean

“Cannot Be Shipped.”

It means the goods should not be shipped until all applicable requirements have been checked.

Why Should Goods Be Checked Before Booking?

If freight is booked and goods are dispatched before the applicable regulations are checked, problems may arise, such as:

• The carrier refuses to accept the goods
• Customs Hold
• The importer does not have the required permit
• Documents need to be amended
• Goods must be returned
• Storage charges are incurred
• Return Freight costs are incurred
• Goods are seized under the law
• Business opportunities are lost

The risks are higher when the goods:

• Have a high value
• Have a limited Shelf Life
• Have a strict Deadline
• Are restricted goods
• Require permits from multiple authorities

A Pre-shipment Compliance Check should therefore be carried out before the shipping date is confirmed.

What Should Be Checked for Restricted Goods?

At least four areas should be checked:

• Export laws in the country of origin
• Carrier rules and Mode of Transport
• Transit Country regulations, where applicable
• Import regulations in the destination country

It is possible for a product to be

permitted for export from Thailand

but

not permitted for import into the destination country.

Therefore, checking only Thai regulations is not sufficient.

Is Food Considered Restricted Goods?

Food is one of the product categories for which regulations should be checked carefully, especially for commercial imports.

Information that may need to be checked includes:

• Type of food
• Ingredient
• Manufacturer
• Label
• Product Registration
• Importer Qualification
• Certificate
• Health / Sanitary Requirement

Not all food products are subject to the same requirements.

Examples include:

• Processed food
• Beverages
• Dried food
• Frozen food
• Meat products
• Dairy products

These products may be subject to different rules.

Are Food Samples Subject to the Same Rules as Commercial Lots?

You should not assume that they are.

Samples, Personal Use, and Commercial Import shipments may be subject to different procedures and requirements.

If the goods are intended for sale, check the Commercial Import Requirement from the outset.

Suggested Internal Link: How to Import Food and Apply for Thai FDA Approval: What Businesses Should Know Before Importing Goods

What Should Be Checked for Cosmetics?

Commercial imports of cosmetics may involve:

• Product Notification / Registration, depending on the applicable system
• Ingredient
• Label
• Importer
• Manufacturer
• Product Claim

Beauty products that look similar are not necessarily all subject to the same rules.

Examples include:

• Skincare
• Makeup
• Shampoo
• Perfume
• Products making medical claims

Depending on their characteristics, these products may fall under different regulations.

The product's classification should therefore be checked before shipment.

Can Medicines and Supplements Be Shipped Like General Goods?

They should not be treated as General Cargo without checking the applicable rules.

Products in the following categories:

• Pharmaceutical
• Supplement
• Vitamin
• Herbal Product

may be subject to requirements involving:

• Product Registration
• Ingredient Restriction
• Import License
• Label
• Quantity
• Intended Use

Destination-country rules can also differ significantly from those in Thailand.

The fact that a product is legally sold in one country does not automatically mean it can be imported into another country.

Suggested Internal Link: How to Import DHC Vitamins from Japan Correctly: What to Know Before Importing Them into Thailand

What Documents Are Required for Plants and Plant Products?

Plant products may be subject to phytosanitary measures.

Examples include:

• Live plants
• Seeds
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Agricultural products
• Certain plant-based materials

Depending on the product and country, the following may be required:

• Import Permit
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Inspection
• Treatment

Do not assume that every product containing plant ingredients requires a Phytosanitary Certificate.

The Processing Level and Product Scope must also be checked.

What Should Be Checked for Animals and Animal Products?

Examples include:

• Live animals
• Meat
• Animal products
• Animal feed
• Certain animal hides

These goods may be subject to:

• Health Certificate
• Veterinary Requirement
• Import Permit
• Disease Control
• Inspection

Requirements may become stricter during an animal disease outbreak.

The current requirements should therefore be checked before the actual shipment.

What Should Be Considered for Wildlife and Wildlife Products?

Certain goods may be subject to wildlife protection laws and international trade controls for protected species.

Examples include:

• Animal skins
• Ivory
• Horns
• Bones
• Animal-derived products
• Coral
• Exotic Animal Products

The following may need to be checked:

• Species
• Scientific Name
• Country of Origin
• CITES Status
• Permit

Do not purchase the goods and check the requirements only afterward, because some products may not be eligible for export or import.

Are Electrical Appliances Restricted Goods?

Certain electrical appliances may be subject to mandatory standards.

Before importing, check:

• Product Type
• Voltage
• Function
• Specification
• Standard
• HS Code

Not all electrical appliances are subject to the same requirements.

Products that look similar but have different specifications may have different regulatory status.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is the TISI Mark? How It Affects Import and Export Businesses

What Should Be Checked for Communication Devices and Wireless Equipment?

Products such as:

• Wi-Fi Device
• Bluetooth Device
• Radio Equipment
• Wireless Transmitter
• Communication Equipment
• Certain IoT Devices

may be subject to telecommunications equipment or radio-frequency regulations.

Information to prepare may include:

• Model
• Frequency
• Transmit Power
• Technical Specification
• Wireless Function

The description

“Electronic Device”

is not sufficient to determine whether approval is required.

Are Chemicals Restricted Goods?

That depends on the substance and its intended use.

Chemicals may be subject to:

• Hazardous Substance Regulation
• Import / Export License
• Dangerous Goods Regulation
• Environmental Regulation
• Controlled Precursor Regulation

Information that should be available includes:

• Chemical Name
• Composition
• CAS Number, where applicable
• Concentration
• Intended Use
• SDS

Both

Product Regulation

and

Transport Regulation

should then be checked separately.

Is an SDS / MSDS an Import Permit?

No.

An SDS, or Safety Data Sheet, provides information about a substance's safety and properties.

It helps with checking:

• Hazard
• Composition
• Handling
• Storage
• Transport Classification

However, an SDS does not replace an Import Permit.

Goods may have a complete SDS and still require other legally mandated permits.

Are Dangerous Goods the Same as Restricted Goods?

No. This is a common point of confusion.

Dangerous Goods or DG

is a safety classification for transportation.

Restricted Goods

refers to legal restrictions or authorization requirements for import and export.

A product may be:

DG but Permitted for Import

For example, certain chemicals may be transported if the following are in order:

• Packaging
• Documentation
• Carrier Acceptance
• Permit

Not DG but Still Restricted

For example, food or certain electrical appliances may not be Dangerous Goods during transport but may still be subject to Import Regulation.

Both regulatory systems must therefore be checked separately.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is an SDS / MSDS? Essential Documents for Chemical and Dangerous Goods Transportation

Can Lithium Batteries Be Shipped?

Lithium batteries are not prohibited goods in every case.

However, they are subject to specific transportation requirements.

Information to check includes:

• Lithium-ion or Lithium-metal
• Watt-hour Rating
• Battery Weight
• Installed in Equipment
• Packed with Equipment
• Shipped Separately
• Quantity
• Packaging

Requirements may vary by carrier and Mode of Transport.

A battery that can be shipped by sea cannot necessarily be sent in the same configuration by Air Courier.

Can Perfume and Aerosol Products Be Shipped?

Products such as:

• Perfume
• Aerosol
• Spray
• Alcohol-based Product

may be classified as Dangerous Goods because of their:

• Flammability
• Pressure
• Chemical Composition

Check the SDS or Product Specification.

Do not declare the goods only as

Cosmetic

if their properties may make them subject to DG requirements.

Are Liquids and Powders Prohibited Goods?

Not necessarily.

Liquids and powders are not automatically prohibited goods.

However, the carrier may request additional information, such as:

• Ingredient
• SDS
• Product Use
• Packaging
• Non-DG Declaration, where applicable

This information helps confirm the commodity, particularly for Air Freight and Courier services, which have strict Security Requirements.

Can Weapons and Explosives Be Imported or Exported?

Products in the following categories:

• Firearm
• Ammunition
• Explosive
• Weapon Parts

are subject to specific laws and authorization requirements.

They should not be handled as General Cargo.

The shipment must be checked for:

• Import / Export License
• End User
• Product Classification
• Transport Regulation
• Carrier Acceptance

as well as all applicable laws, before any steps are taken.

Can Antiques, Art Objects, and Buddha Statues Be Exported?

Certain goods may be subject to laws protecting antiques and works of art.

Before shipping, check:

• Object Type
• Age
• Size
• Characteristics
• Purpose
• Permit

Do not assume that an item can be exported immediately just because it is described as a decorative object.

Requirements must be checked against the laws in force on the export date.

Can Counterfeit Branded Goods Be Shipped?

Goods that infringe trademarks or copyrights may raise issues involving:

• Customs
• Intellectual Property
• Carrier Policy

Goods described as:

• Replica
• Copy
• Fake
• Counterfeit

should not be classified as General Merchandise to avoid inspection.

In addition to violating applicable rules, importers or exporters may face legal action.

What Should Be Checked for Used or Second-hand Goods?

Used goods are not all prohibited.

However, some countries restrict certain types of second-hand goods, such as:

• Used Machinery
• Used Electronics
• Used Vehicle
• Used Medical Equipment
• Used Clothing
• Waste / Scrap

Before shipping, clearly check:

• Import Restriction
• Environmental Requirement
• Product Standard
• Condition of Goods

Can Waste and Scrap Be Shipped Like Ordinary Raw Materials?

They should not be treated that way without checking.

Goods in the following categories:

• Waste
• Scrap
• Used Material
• Recyclable Material

may be subject to environmental laws and regulations governing the transboundary movement of waste.

Check:

• Material Composition
• Contamination
• Hazardous Status
• Import / Export Control
• Permit

The terms

“used goods”

or

“scrap material”

are not sufficient for classification.

Does Used Machinery Require an Import Permit?

It depends on:

• Machine Type
• Condition
• Intended Use
• Regulation
• Country

Some types of used machinery may not be subject to specific import restrictions, while others may be subject to additional measures.

Product specifications should therefore be checked on a case-by-case basis.

Are Goods Containing Wood or Packed in Wooden Crates Restricted?

The product itself may not be restricted, but Wood Packaging may be subject to plant-health requirements.

Examples include:

• Wooden Pallet
• Wooden Crate
• Dunnage

These may need to comply with ISPM 15 in countries that apply the relevant measures.

Check:

• Type of Wood
• Treatment
• IPPC Mark
• Destination Requirement

Suggested Internal Link: What Is ISPM 15? Wooden Packaging, Pallets, and Fumigation for Export

Can Restricted Goods Be Identified by HS Code?

The HS Code is a very important starting point because it can be linked to:

• Import Duty
• FTA
• Trade Measures
• Permit
• Product Regulation

However, the HS Code should not be used on its own.

Products under the same HS Code may have different specifications that result in different regulatory requirements.

Therefore, consider

HS Code + Product Description + Specification + Intended Use

together.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is an HS Code? How to Read Customs Tariff Codes and Why They Matter for Import and Export Duties

If the Supplier Says the Goods Can Be Exported, Does That Mean They Can Be Imported into Thailand?

No.

Suppliers are generally familiar with the regulations in their country of origin.

However, imports into Thailand must also meet Thailand's requirements.

For example, a supplier in China may legally export Product A.

That does not mean a Thai importer can import it without:

• Permit
• Product Registration
• Standard
• Customs Requirement

The buyer must check the destination regulations separately.

If These Goods Have Been Imported Before, Do They Need to Be Checked Again?

Do not reuse old information without reviewing it.

Recheck the requirements if:

• The Supplier changes
• The Product Formula changes
• The Model changes
• The HS Code changes
• The Country of Origin changes
• The Regulation changes
• The Permit expires

This is particularly important for products imported several months or years apart.

Do Personal Use and Commercial Imports Follow the Same Rules?

Not necessarily.

Imports for:

• Personal Use
• Sample
• Research
• Commercial Sale

may be subject to different procedures and requirements.

Do not assume that because one item was successfully ordered for personal use, a business can import 1,000 units for resale under the same conditions.

Is a Permit Really Not Required for Samples?

Do not assume that.

Some products remain subject to regulation even when shipped as samples, particularly:

• Food
• Medicine
• Biological Material
• Plant
• Animal Product
• Chemical

The shipment's purpose may affect the procedure, but it does not automatically remove all requirements.

Can Gifts Be Shipped Without Checking the Rules?

No.

Writing

Gift

on an invoice does not change the product's classification.

If the contents are restricted goods, the requirements must still be checked based on the actual product.

Customs is concerned with

what the goods are

rather than the word Gift used to describe the Purpose of Shipment.

If an Air Courier Accepts the Goods, Does That Guarantee They Can Be Shipped?

No.

Courier Acceptance is only one part of the process.

A shipment may still encounter problems with:

• Export Customs
• Import Customs
• Destination Regulation
• Permit
• Consignee Eligibility

Therefore,

Carrier Accepts ≠ Customs Approved

especially for Commercial Shipments.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Air Courier? How Does It Differ from Air Cargo, and Which Goods Is It Suitable For?

Is the Freight Forwarder Responsible for Checking Restricted Goods?

A Freight Forwarder can help coordinate and conduct preliminary checks, depending on the Service Scope.

However, the importer or exporter must provide accurate product information.

Information to prepare includes:

• Product Name
• Photo
• Brand / Model
• Material
• Composition
• Ingredient
• Function
• Intended Use
• HS Code
• Technical Specification
• SDS, where applicable

A Forwarder cannot accurately determine the applicable regulations from descriptions such as

“spare parts”

or

“electrical appliances”

alone.

Is It Acceptable Not to Declare That Goods Contain Batteries or Chemicals?

No.

Concealing the commodity can create risks involving:

• Safety
• Customs
• Carrier
• Insurance
• Liability

This is particularly important for Air Transport, where Dangerous Goods Regulation is strict.

Always declare goods accurately.

What Documents May Be Required for Restricted Goods?

Requirements depend on the product. Examples of documents include:

• Import Permit
• Export Permit
• Product Registration
• Certificate of Origin
• Health Certificate
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Veterinary Certificate
• SDS
• Test Report
• Certificate of Analysis
• Certificate of Free Sale
• Product Standard Certificate
• Dangerous Goods Declaration

Not every shipment requires all of these documents.

Requirements must be checked for each product and destination.

Who Should Apply for the Import Permit?

In general, an Import Permit for the destination country is often the responsibility of the importer or an authorized party in that country.

Before exporting, the seller should ask the buyer:

• Are you eligible to act as the Importer?
• Do you have the required Registration?
• Is the Permit ready?
• Is the Customs Broker ready?

Do not dispatch the cargo and only then wait for the buyer to apply for the permit.

When Should the Permit Be Ready?

Requirements should be checked before booking.

If a permit must be issued before import or shipment, it should be prepared in accordance with the applicable rules before the goods are transported.

If the cargo reaches its destination while the permit is still unavailable, additional costs may arise, including:

• Storage
• Demurrage
• Detention
• Return
• Disposal

depending on the Mode of Transport and circumstances.

Do Prohibited and Restricted Goods Rules Differ by Country?

Yes, they can differ significantly.

Goods that Thailand permits for export may be restricted in another country.

Regulations can differ for products such as:

• Food
• Supplement
• Cosmetic
• Medicine
• Electronic Equipment
• Wireless Device
• Plant
• Meat
• Chemical

International trade therefore requires checking the rules of the

Destination Country

every time.

Should the Transit Country Also Be Checked?

Some shipments transit through a third country.

For example, a Cross-border Route may be:

Origin → Transit Country → Destination

Certain goods may be subject to additional transit rules, particularly:

• Dangerous Goods
• Animal
• Plant
• Controlled Chemical

The Freight Forwarder should therefore check the route before booking.

Do Incoterms Affect Import Permits?

Incoterms define responsibilities between the buyer and seller, but they do not eliminate product regulations.

For example, DDP assigns the seller responsibility for Import Formalities under the applicable rule.

However, if the destination country requires the importer to be a legal entity holding a specific license, a foreign seller may find it difficult to perform DDP.

Both

Incoterms + Local Law

must therefore be checked.

Suggested Internal Link: What Are Incoterms? Understand EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, and DDP Before Importing or Exporting

Do Restricted Goods Affect Freight Costs?

They can.

Additional costs may arise from:

• Special Documentation
• Dangerous Goods Handling
• Inspection
• Permit
• Special Packing
• Temperature Control
• Carrier Surcharge
• Storage

A Freight Quote for General Cargo should not be applied to Restricted or Special Cargo without disclosing the actual commodity.

How to Check Goods Before Importing or Exporting

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the Goods Clearly

Prepare:

• Product Name
• Photo
• Brand
• Model
• Material
• Composition
• Function

Step 2: Determine the HS Code

Classify the product appropriately.

Step 3: Check the Origin Country's Rules

Check whether any of the following apply:

• Export Restriction
• Export Permit

Step 4: Check the Destination Country's Rules

Check for:

• Import Permit
• Product Registration
• Standard
• Certificate
• Label

Step 5: Check Transport Regulations

Pay particular attention to:

• DG
• Battery
• Liquid
• Chemical
• Temperature-controlled Cargo

Step 6: Prepare Documents Before Booking

Do not wait until the cargo reaches the port or airport.

Checklist Before Shipping Goods That May Be Restricted

Check all items relevant to the shipment:

• Product Name
• Product Photo
• Brand / Model
• Material
• Composition
• Ingredient
• Function
• Intended Use
• HS Code
• Country of Origin
• Importer Information
• Export Permit
• Import Permit
• Product Registration
• Certificate
• SDS
• DG Classification
• Battery Specification
• Label Requirement
• Wood Packaging Requirement
• Transit Country Requirement
• Carrier Acceptance
• Incoterms
• Customs Broker
• Required Delivery Date

If the information is incomplete, do not rush to book simply because the freight rate is currently low.

Common Mistakes Regarding Prohibited and Restricted Goods

• Assuming that permission to export from Thailand means the goods can be imported into the destination country
• Assuming that carrier acceptance means Customs clearance is guaranteed
• Using an HS Code supplied by the supplier without checking it
• Failing to declare batteries
• Failing to declare chemicals
• Declaring goods inaccurately
• Shipping a Commercial Lot while claiming it is a Sample
• Using the term Gift to avoid regulations
• Applying for a permit after the goods are already in transit
• Failing to check ingredients
• Failing to check the Country of Origin
• Failing to check product standards
• Failing to check the Transit Country
• Reusing requirements from a shipment handled years ago
• Assuming that Door-to-Door service includes all required authorizations

Frequently Asked Questions About Prohibited and Restricted Goods (FAQ)

What Is the Difference Between Prohibited Goods and Restricted Goods?

Prohibited goods are goods that the law does not permit to be imported or exported under specified conditions. Restricted goods may be handled if the relevant permits, documents, or other conditions are satisfied.

How Can I Tell Whether Goods Require an Import Permit?

Check the product, HS Code, specifications, Intended Use, and destination-country rules together. Do not rely on the product name alone.

Are Dangerous Goods Prohibited Goods?

Not always. Many types of Dangerous Goods can be transported if the classification, packaging, documentation, and Carrier Acceptance are correct.

Can Supplements or Vitamins Be Shipped by Courier?

A carrier may accept certain products, but destination-country regulations concerning ingredients, quantity, Import Permit, and product requirements must also be checked.

Is It True That Liquids Cannot Be Shipped Internationally?

No. Many types of liquids can be shipped, but their composition, packaging, and Dangerous Goods status must be checked first.

Are Lithium Batteries Prohibited Goods?

Not in every case. They are subject to specific transportation requirements, so the battery type, configuration, capacity, and Carrier Policy must be checked.

Can I Determine Whether Goods Are Restricted from the HS Code Alone?

The HS Code is important, but it should not be used alone. Product Description, specifications, and current regulations must also be considered.

Do Samples Not Require an Import Permit?

Not always. Some products remain subject to regulations even when shipped as samples and may require a permit or certificate.

If I Have Shipped the Same Product Before, Can I Reuse the Same Documents Next Time?

Requirements should be checked again because the product, route, carrier, and laws may change.

International Shipping and Logistics Services with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international shipping services, including:

• Air Courier
• Air Cargo
• Sea Freight
• Road Freight
• Cross-border Transportation

Related services include:

• Packing
• Shipping Documents
• Warehousing
• Customs Clearance
• Delivery

depending on the Service Scope of the shipment.

If you are unsure whether the goods you want to import or export are subject to restrictions, prepare the following information:

• Product name
• Photos
• Brand / Model
• Material
• Ingredient / Composition
• Function
• Technical Specification
• HS Code, if available
• Country of Origin
• Origin and destination countries
• SDS, where applicable
• Existing permits or certificates

The CPL INTER team can help review logistics information and coordinate relevant requirements before booking.

Product requirements, permits, and laws in each country may change. Always check the requirements in force on the actual shipment date.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international freight transportation and Customs procedures, with more than 15 years of experience and an internationally recognized ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.