Key Takeaways

• Shipping goods between Thailand and the United States can be handled by Air Courier, Air Cargo, and Sea Freight via both LCL and FCL. The best option depends on cargo size, weight, Lead Time, and Total Logistics Cost.
• Goods imported into the United States require checks of HTSUS Classification, Country of Origin, Customs Value, and the rules of any agency regulating the product. Freight costs alone are not enough to assess an import.
• Products such as food, plants, animal products, medicines, Medical Devices, cosmetics, chemicals, and certain electronic equipment may be subject to additional U.S. agency requirements.
• U.S. rules for Low-value Shipments have changed in recent years. Do not rely on outdated information stating that “shipments under USD 800 are always duty-free” without checking the current requirements.
• The United States does not have a Federal VAT system like Thailand. Taxes and charges should therefore be separated into Customs Duty, Customs Fees, and any applicable State / Local Tax.

What Should You Know Before Shipping Between Thailand and the United States?

The United States is a large market with a vast geographic area.

Shipping to

• California
• Texas
• New York
• Florida
• Illinois

can involve significantly different Logistics Costs and Delivery Processes, even though these destinations are in the same country.

Before requesting a Freight quote, prepare at least the following information:

• Product Name
• Number of Packages
• Gross Weight
• Dimensions
• Cargo Value
• Country of Origin
• Destination City and ZIP Code
• Incoterms
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Delivery Date

Simply asking

“How much does it cost to ship to the U.S.?”

is not enough to accurately estimate freight costs and Import Requirements.

What Are the Shipping Options Between Thailand and the United States?

The main options include

• Air Courier
• Air Cargo
• Sea Freight LCL
• Sea Freight FCL

Each Mode is suitable for different types of Shipments.

What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Air Courier to the United States?

Air Courier is suitable for

• Documents
• Samples
• E-commerce Orders
• Small Spare Parts
• Low-volume Commercial Shipments
• Goods requiring Door-to-Door Service

Its strengths include a Network for

• Pickup
• Air Transport
• Customs Processes, depending on the Service
• Tracking
• Last-mile Delivery

However, Freight can increase quickly if a Package has

• Large Dimensions
• High Volumetric Weight
• Oversize dimensions
• A Remote Area destination

Provide the destination ZIP Code before shipping.

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

What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Air Cargo to the United States?

Air Cargo is suitable for Shipments that

• Are larger than parcels
• Contain multiple Cartons
• Include Pallets
• Have higher Weight
• Require a short Lead Time
• Consist of Commercial Cargo
• Need a Freight Solution tailored to the Shipment

Examples include

• Machinery Parts
• Electronics
• Fashion Products
• Industrial Parts
• High-value Cargo

Air Cargo can be arranged as

• Airport to Airport
• Door to Airport
• Airport to Door
• Door to Door

depending on the Service Scope.

Do not assume that Air Cargo always requires the Consignee to collect the goods at the airport.

What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Sea Freight to the United States?

Sea Freight is suitable for

• High-volume Shipments
• Machinery
• Furniture
• Consumer Goods
• Raw Materials
• Commercial Cargo that is not urgent

The main options are

• LCL
• FCL

LCL to the United States

LCL, or Less than Container Load, is suitable for Cargo that does not fill an entire Container.

The Shipper shares Container space with other Shipments.

It is suitable for

• Multiple Cartons
• Pallets
• Cargo measured in several CBM

However, Destination Charges are important when calculating Total Cost.

Do not choose LCL based on the Ocean Freight line in a quote alone.

FCL to the United States

FCL is suitable for high-volume Cargo or businesses that want to use a Container for their own Shipment.

Common Equipment includes

• 20’ Dry
• 40’ Dry
• 40’ High Cube

as well as Special Equipment, depending on the Cargo.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Sea Freight LCL? How Does Less-than-Container-Load Shipping Work, and What Goods Is It Suitable For?

Is Air or Sea Freight Better for Shipping to the United States?

Look beyond the Freight Rate.

Air is suitable when

• The Cargo is not very large
• Speed is important
• The Product Margin can support the Freight Cost
• Stock is running low
• Spare Parts are urgently needed

Sea is suitable when

• Cargo Volume is high
• The Shipment is not urgent
• Lower Freight Cost per Unit is desired
• Inventory can be planned in advance

Businesses should compare

Total Cost + Lead Time + Inventory Cost

rather than simply asking which Mode is “cheaper.”

Suggested Internal Link: What Are the Differences Between Air Freight, Sea Freight, and Road Freight? How Do You Choose the Right Mode for Your Cargo?

How Should You Choose a Port for Sea Freight to the United States?

The United States has Ports in several regions.

Important gateways include

• Los Angeles / Long Beach
• New York / New Jersey
• Savannah
• Houston

Port selection should not be based on Ocean Freight alone.

The actual destination must also be considered.

For example,

if the Consignee is near the East Coast, importing through a West Coast Port and trucking the Cargo across the country may not always be the most cost-effective option.

Compare the following together:

• Ocean Route
• Transit Time
• Port Charges
• Rail
• Trucking
• Delivery

How Many Days Does Shipping to the United States Take?

There is no single Transit Time for every Shipment.

It depends on

• Origin
• Destination
• Airline / Shipping Line
• Direct / Transshipment
• Flight / Vessel Schedule
• Customs
• Port Congestion
• Inland Delivery
• Season

Do not treat figures from a previous Shipment, such as

Air 5–10 days

or

Sea 30–35 days

as Guaranteed Transit Times for every Route.

Check the actual Schedule before Booking.

What Documents Are Required to Export Goods from Thailand to the USA?

Commercial Shipments generally involve documents such as

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
• Export Customs Declaration
• Certificate of Origin, where applicable
• Permits / Certificates, depending on the product

Additional documents may be required by U.S. authorities.

Information across the documents should be consistent, including

• Shipper
• Consignee
• Product Description
• Quantity
• Value
• Weight
• Country of Origin

Suggested Internal Link: What Export Documents Are Required? A Checklist of Essential Documents Before Shipping Goods Internationally

What Should a Commercial Invoice for the United States Include?

It should include details such as

• Seller / Exporter
• Buyer / Consignee
• Product Description
• Quantity
• Unit Price
• Total Value
• Currency
• Country of Origin
• Incoterms
• Invoice Number
• Invoice Date

The Product Description should be clear.

Avoid using only terms such as

• Sample
• Parts
• Accessories
• Gift

when a more specific description is available.

For example, instead of writing

Machine Parts

you could use

Stainless Steel Spare Parts for Food Packaging Machine

if that accurately describes the goods.

Is the HS Code for the USA the Same as Thailand’s?

The first six digits are based on the same Harmonized System.

However, the United States has its own more detailed tariff classification system: HTSUS, or the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Do not use Thailand’s 8- or 11-digit AHTN Code directly as a U.S. Tariff Code.

Check the following:

• Product
• HS 6-digit Code
• HTSUS Classification

for U.S. Import Entries.

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

Who Is Responsible for Classification When Goods Enter the USA?

The Importer must provide accurate product information for the Customs Entry.

A Customs Broker can assist with Classification and Entry preparation, but the Importer should still provide sufficient product information, such as

• Material
• Function
• Composition
• Model
• Technical Specifications

Do not expect a Broker to determine the classification based only on the word

Accessories

or a photo.

What Is CBP?

CBP stands for

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

It is a key U.S. agency responsible for overseeing goods entering the United States.

CBP is involved in matters such as

• Customs Entry
• Classification
• Valuation
• Country of Origin
• Duty
• Admissibility
• Trade Enforcement

However, many product categories are also regulated by other agencies.

Therefore,

Clearing CBP alone

does not mean that every regulated product can be imported without additional requirements.

What Is an Importer of Record?

The Importer of Record, or IOR, is the party with important responsibilities for importing goods into the United States under the Customs process.

Responsibilities can include

• Customs Entry
• Classification
• Value
• Duty
• Compliance

Before shipping a Commercial Shipment to the USA, clarify with the Buyer:

Who will be the Importer of Record?

This is especially important for Shipments under

• DAP
• DDP
• Door to Door

If no IOR is ready to handle the Shipment, the Cargo may arrive in the United States but fail to clear Customs as planned.

Can Shipments to the United States Be Arranged Under DDP?

A DDP arrangement may be possible in some cases, but it requires careful review.

Under DDP, the Seller assumes responsibility for Import Formalities under the Rule.

Before agreeing to DDP, check

• Who will be the Importer of Record
• Whether the Importer Registration is ready
• Whether a Customs Bond is required
• How Tax / Duty Billing will be handled
• Which Product Regulations apply
• Whether the Seller can comply with U.S. law

Do not quote DDP merely to offer the Buyer a price for

“delivery to the door with everything included”

without checking the Import Setup first.

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

What Is a Customs Bond?

Some types of Commercial Imports into the United States may require a Customs Bond.

A Bond is a Financial Guarantee associated with compliance with Customs requirements and payment of relevant obligations.

Types can include

• Single Transaction Bond
• Continuous Bond

depending on the nature of the Import Activity.

The actual requirement depends on the Entry and the goods.

Importers who ship regularly should consult a Customs Broker about their Import Setup before their first Shipment.

How Are U.S. Import Duties Calculated?

Do not use Thailand’s formula to calculate U.S. Duty directly.

U.S. Import Duty depends on

• HTSUS Classification
• Country of Origin
• Customs Value
• Duty Rate
• Additional Duty / Trade Measures, where applicable
• Preferential Programs, if available and the goods qualify

Rates therefore vary by product.

Some tariff lines may have

• Free
• Ad Valorem
• Specific Duty
• Compound Rate

or be subject to additional measures.

Check the current HTSUS before offering a Landed Price to a Buyer.

Does the USA Use CIF for Customs Value Like Thailand?

Do not treat Thailand’s CIF formula as a universal rule.

The United States has its own Customs Valuation rules. Transaction Value is an important method for assessing the price paid for goods sold for export to the United States, subject to adjustments required by applicable law.

Exporters should therefore not calculate

Cost + Insurance + Freight

and assume that this is the U.S. Customs Value for every Shipment.

Ask the U.S. Customs Broker to review the actual transaction.

Does the USA Have 10% VAT?

The United States does not have a Federal VAT of 10%, despite claims found in some older articles.

The United States does not have a Federal VAT system like Thailand.

Instead, it has Sales Tax at the State and Local levels, depending on the location and transaction.

Sales Tax and Import Duty are separate matters.

When importing into the United States, distinguish between

• Customs Duty
• Customs-related Fees
• Applicable State / Local Sales Tax on the Sale
• Logistics Costs

Do not automatically add 10% VAT to U.S. Import Costs.

Are Goods Valued Below USD 800 Really Duty-free?

Do not treat this as a general rule under current conditions.

Many older sources describe the U.S. De Minimis system using an USD 800 threshold and conclude that goods below this value can enter without Duty.

However, U.S. rules and measures for Low-value Imports have changed significantly in recent years. Treatment may depend on

• Country of Origin
• Entry Method
• Commodity
• Current Government Policy

Before sending a Low-value Shipment, check the latest requirements with

• The Carrier
• The Customs Broker
• Applicable CBP Requirements

Do not rely on old articles or information from Shipments made several years ago.

Does Thailand Have an FTA with the USA?

Do not assume that goods from Thailand automatically qualify for Preferential Duty in the United States simply because they were made in Thailand.

Thailand and the United States do not have a bilateral Free Trade Agreement that generally reduces Duty on goods under a two-country FTA.

However, the Duty Treatment of a product must be checked against

• HTSUS
• Country of Origin
• Current Trade Programs
• Product-specific Measures

in effect on the actual Import Date.

Why Is Country of Origin Important for Imports into the USA?

It is important for

• Duty
• Trade Measures
• Marking
• Statistics
• Product Regulation

For example,

goods may be shipped from Singapore but manufactured in Thailand.

The Country of Export and Country of Origin are therefore not necessarily the same.

The Importer must determine Origin under the applicable rules, rather than relying on the country where the Cargo was loaded onto an aircraft or vessel.

Must Goods Be Marked “Made in Thailand”?

Many goods imported into the United States are subject to Country of Origin Marking Requirements, subject to applicable laws and exceptions.

The marking format must be appropriate for the product and its regulations.

For example, the label may state

Made in Thailand

when that accurately reflects the Origin.

However, requirements can vary by product, Packaging, and applicable exceptions.

For Commercial Products, check Marking Requirements before producing Packaging in large quantities.

What Must Be Checked When Shipping Food to the USA?

Commercial Food Shipments are among the product categories that may have more requirements than ordinary goods.

A key agency is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA.

Depending on the product and business, checks may include

• Food Facility Registration
• Prior Notice
• Food Labeling
• Ingredients
• U.S. Importer Requirements
• FSVP
• Product-specific Requirements

Actual requirements vary by

• Product
• Manufacturer
• Intended Use
• Importer
• Business Model

Do not rely on outdated rules claiming that

dry food weighing less than 10–20 kg does not require FDA compliance

because requirements are not determined by Shipment Weight alone.

What Is Prior Notice?

Many types of food imported into the United States require information to be submitted before the goods arrive, in accordance with FDA Requirements.

The information may relate to

• Product
• Manufacturer
• Shipper
• Importer
• Carrier
• Arrival

Timing and exemptions must be checked under current rules.

If shipping Food to the USA, the Importer and Forwarder should review the process before Booking.

What Is FSVP?

FSVP stands for

Foreign Supplier Verification Program

It concerns the responsibilities of U.S. Importers for certain foods imported from abroad under the applicable rules.

Importers may need a system for verifying foreign Suppliers in accordance with relevant requirements.

Thai food manufacturers intending to sell in the United States should therefore check whether the Buyer has the necessary Import Setup and is ready to meet FSVP responsibilities.

Can Meat and Animal Products Be Shipped to the USA?

These products require careful regulatory review.

Requirements may involve

• USDA
• FDA
• Animal Health Requirements
• Food Safety Requirements
• Country / Establishment Eligibility

depending on the product.

Do not rely on outdated lists stating

pork, chicken, and eggs = all prohibited

because the rules depend on the product type, processing, and applicable programs.

Check the actual commodity with the responsible agency before shipping.

Can Fruits, Vegetables, and Plants Be Shipped to the USA?

Plant and agricultural products may be subject to USDA requirements and those of other relevant agencies.

Requirements may include

• Import Permit
• Phytosanitary Certificate
• Treatment
• Inspection
• Approved Origin

depending on the Commodity.

For example, one type of fruit may be allowed from a particular country subject to a specific Treatment. That does not mean the same requirements apply to other fruits.

What Must Be Checked for Wooden Pallets Shipped to the USA?

Wood Packaging such as

• Wooden Pallets
• Wooden Crates
• Wooden Skids
• Dunnage

must be checked for ISPM 15 requirements when it falls within the scope of the rules.

Check

• Treatment
• IPPC Mark
• Raw Wood
• Dunnage

before Shipment.

Problems with Wooden Packaging can cause Cargo to be Held or lead to other measures at destination.

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

What Must Be Checked When Shipping Cosmetics to the USA?

Cosmetic Products are subject to FDA Regulation and relevant laws, including requirements updated under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, or MoCRA.

Businesses should check requirements based on the Product and the status of the business, such as

• Product Safety
• Labeling
• Facility Requirements
• Product Listing
• Responsible Person
• Adverse Event Requirements

to the extent required by law.

Do not assume that because Cosmetics are not medicines, Commercial Lots can enter the USA without checking FDA requirements.

Can Medicines and Medical Devices Be Shipped to the USA?

These products may be subject to strict regulations.

Requirements may involve

• FDA Registration
• Listing
• Approval / Clearance
• Manufacturer
• Importer
• Labeling

depending on the Product.

The term

Medical Product

is too broad to assess requirements.

Prepare the following before Booking:

• Product Name
• Intended Use
• Manufacturer
• Specifications
• Regulatory Status

What Must Be Checked for Electrical Appliances and Electronics?

Certain Electronics may need to comply with requirements from additional agencies.

For example, products containing

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• Radio Frequency
• Wireless Transmission

may be subject to FCC Requirements.

Some Consumer Products may also be subject to

• Safety Standards
• CPSC Requirements

depending on the Product.

Provide Technical Specifications to the Importer for review before placing a production order.

What Must Be Checked When Shipping Chemicals to the USA?

Chemical products may be subject to requirements involving

• EPA
• TSCA
• Hazard Communication
• Dangerous Goods Regulations

depending on the substance and its use.

Prepare

• SDS
• Composition
• CAS Number, where applicable
• Intended Use
• Transport Classification

and assess both

Import Regulations

and

Transport Regulations

separately.

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

Can Dangerous Goods Be Shipped to the USA?

DG does not mean that a shipment is always prohibited.

Some types can be shipped if

• The Carrier Accepts Them
• Packaging is compliant
• Marks / Labels are correct
• Documentation is complete
• Import Regulations allow them

Rules differ between

• Air
• Sea
• Road

A product accepted by Sea Freight may not be accepted by Air Courier under the same Service.

Must Batteries Be Declared When Shipping to the USA?

Yes.

This is particularly important for

• Lithium-ion Batteries
• Lithium-metal Batteries
• Power Banks
• Battery Packs

Check

• Watt-hours
• Configuration
• Installed / Packed with / Separate
• Quantity
• Packaging
• Test Requirements
• Carrier Policy

Do not declare the shipment simply as

Electronic Accessories

if it contains Batteries.

What Should Be Considered When Shipping Branded Goods to the USA?

Goods bearing

• Trademarks
• Copyrighted Material
• Licensing

must be legitimate and properly authorized.

Counterfeit Goods may be subject to Customs Enforcement.

Businesses shipping

• Fashion
• Accessories
• Toys
• Character Products

should also check Intellectual Property Rights.

Do not use terms such as

Replica

or

Copy

and assume that the goods will clear Customs.

Do Samples Shipped to the USA Need Customs Clearance?

They must still go through the applicable Import process.

Calling a product a Sample does not automatically remove

• FDA Requirements
• Permits
• Duty
• Product Regulations

Declare the Product Description and Value accurately for Customs purposes.

Do not declare Value = 0 simply because the goods are Samples.

How Are Gifts Different from Commercial Shipments to the USA?

Gifts may receive different Customs Treatment in certain contexts.

However, calling a shipment a Gift does not change the product itself.

If it contains

• Food
• Medicine
• Plants
• DG
• Controlled Products

the relevant Product Regulations must still be checked.

Do not use the term Gift to avoid Commercial Import Requirements.

What Should You Know When Shipping Goods from the USA to Thailand?

When importing goods from the United States into Thailand, Thai regulations must be considered.

Important information includes

• HS Code / AHTN
• Customs Value
• Import Duty
• VAT
• Import Permits
• TIS (Thai Industrial Standards), where applicable
• FDA Thailand requirements, where applicable
• Other relevant regulatory agencies

The fact that goods can be exported from the USA does not mean they can be imported into Thailand without additional requirements.

How Are Import Duties Calculated for Goods from the USA to Thailand?

Check the product’s tariff classification in Thailand.

For ordinary goods, the key factors generally include

• Customs Value
• Import Duty
• VAT
• Other taxes or measures applicable to the product

Thailand and the United States do not have a bilateral FTA that automatically gives ordinary goods from the USA a 0% Duty Rate.

Check the actual HS Code and applicable rate before purchasing.

Suggested Internal Link: How Are Import Duties Calculated? Learn About Import Duty, VAT, and Costs Before Importing Goods

Are Goods Imported from the USA Subject to Thai VAT?

Imported goods entering Thailand must be assessed for VAT under Thai law.

The general rate is currently 7%.

Import Duty and VAT are separate charges.

Even if a tariff line has a 0% Duty Rate, VAT may still apply.

Check the applicable rate and legislation again on the actual Import Date.

Do Exports from the USA to Thailand Require an Export License?

Not every product requires an Export License from the United States.

However, U.S. exporters must check U.S. Export Controls based on

• Product
• Classification
• Destination
• End User
• End Use

Technology, Dual-use items, and certain specialized products may be subject to additional requirements.

Do not assume that

“ordinary goods do not require any documents from the United States”

without checking the Product.

What Is EAR?

EAR, or the Export Administration Regulations, is one of the U.S. export control systems.

Certain goods may have

• An ECCN
• License Requirements

depending on Technology, Destination, End User, and End Use.

Other goods may fall into categories without a specific Control Classification of the same kind.

For

• Electronics
• Technology
• Machinery
• Technical Equipment

ask the U.S. Supplier to check the Export Control Classification before Shipment.

What Are EEI / AES?

Certain exports from the United States may require Electronic Export Information, or EEI, to be filed through the Automated Export System, or AES, depending on the applicable conditions.

Requirements may depend on factors such as

• Commodity
• Value
• Export License
• Destination

The U.S. Exporter or Forwarder should check the Filing Requirements before shipping.

What Should You Consider When Buying Goods EXW from the USA?

Under EXW, the Buyer takes on more Logistics Responsibility from the origin point.

The Buyer must arrange or coordinate

• Pickup
• Export Process
• U.S. Export Compliance
• Main Freight
• Thai Import Clearance

For U.S. Export Documentation in particular, check whether the Supplier is willing to provide the information needed by the Forwarder.

Some Suppliers may offer FCA instead of EXW to make export handling easier.

Can FOB USA Be Used for Air Freight?

It should not be used.

Under Incoterms, FOB is for Sea / Inland Waterway Transport.

For Air Freight from the USA, consider a suitable term for Any Mode, such as

• FCA
• CPT
• CIP
• DAP

depending on the transaction.

What Determines Freight Costs from the USA to Thailand?

It depends on the Mode.

Air

Consider

• Actual Weight
• Volumetric Weight
• Chargeable Weight
• Dimensions
• Route

Sea LCL

Consider

• CBM / Weight
• Origin Charges
• Destination Charges
• Commodity

FCL

Consider

• Container Type
• Route
• Equipment
• Local Charges

Do not select a Mode based on a single Freight line without considering Total Logistics Cost.

What Is Needed to Ship Machinery Between Thailand and the USA?

Prepare

• Machine Name
• Function
• HS Code
• Dimensions
• Gross Weight
• Photos
• Technical Drawing, where applicable
• Battery / Oil Information
• Wooden Packaging
• Lifting Points

For Oversize Cargo, check

• Aircraft
• Container
• Flat Rack
• Open Top
• Special Truck

before finalizing the Packing.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Oversize Cargo? How to Ship Machinery and Large Cargo Internationally

Is Cargo Insurance Necessary?

Not every Shipment is legally required to have Insurance, but it should be considered based on

• Cargo Value
• Fragility
• Route
• Mode
• Handling

This is especially relevant for U.S. Routes involving both international and long-distance inland transportation.

Do not assume that

Freight Charge = Cargo Insurance

because Carrier Liability and Cargo Insurance are different.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Cargo Insurance? What Does International Cargo Insurance Cover?

What Is the Difference Between Shipping to the West Coast and the East Coast?

The United States is a very large country.

Shipping to

Los Angeles

and

New York

involves different Routes and Inland Networks.

Sea Freight may use

• West Coast Ports
• East Coast Ports
• Gulf Coast Ports

depending on the Shipment.

Cargo may then continue by

• Truck
• Rail

to the final Destination.

Provide the ZIP Code when requesting a quote so that the most suitable Routing can be assessed.

Why Is the ZIP Code Important?

The ZIP Code helps determine

• Delivery Area
• Distance
• Courier Service
• Remote / Extended Area
• Trucking Cost
• Local Agent

more accurately.

Providing only

California

is not enough.

A single state can cover areas hundreds of kilometers apart.

Who Should Arrange U.S. Customs Clearance?

Commercial Importers should have a Customs Broker or Import Process ready before the Cargo arrives.

This is particularly important for Sea Freight. Do not wait until Vessel Arrival to look for a Broker.

Before Departure, check that

• The IOR is ready
• The Bond is ready, where required
• The Broker is ready
• Product Regulations are addressed
• Documents are ready

This helps reduce the risk of Storage and Delay.

Why Are U.S. Destination Charges Important?

They are especially important for LCL.

A Sea Freight quote may show a low Ocean Freight rate, but destination costs can still include

• CFS
• Documentation
• Customs Broker
• Port-related Charges
• Delivery
• Storage

depending on the Shipment.

Before Confirming, clarify whether the quote is

• Port to Port
• Door to Port
• Door to Door

and specify what is

Included / Excluded

What Is a Customs Hold?

Cargo may be Held for

• Document Review
• Customs Inspection
• FDA Review
• USDA Review
• Other Government Agency Review

depending on the Product.

A Hold does not necessarily mean that the goods are illegal.

However, it can lead to

• Longer Lead Time
• Additional Inspection Costs
• Additional Storage Costs

Prepare clear Documentation from the outset.

What Should Be Done Before Booking Food or Regulated Goods?

Follow this sequence:

Check the Product

↓

Check HS / HTSUS

↓

Check the Import Agency

↓

Check Registration / Permits

↓

Confirm the Importer

↓

Prepare Labels / Documents

↓

Choose Freight

↓

Book

Do not reverse the process by doing this:

Book → Ship the Goods → Ask Whether FDA Approval Is Needed

Checklist for Shipping Goods from Thailand to the USA

Before Booking, check

• Product Name
• Product Description
• HS Code / HTSUS
• Country of Origin
• Quantity
• Value
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Gross Weight
• Dimensions
• Importer of Record
• U.S. Customs Broker
• Import Permits, where applicable
• FDA Requirements
• USDA Requirements
• Other Government Agency Requirements
• Country of Origin Marking
• Battery / Chemical / DG
• Wooden Packaging / ISPM 15
• Incoterms
• ZIP Code
• Cargo Ready Date
• Insurance

Checklist for Importing Goods from the USA to Thailand

Check

• Product
• HS Code / AHTN
• Country of Origin
• Supplier
• U.S. Export Controls
• EEI / AES Requirements, where applicable
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Freight Mode
• Customs Value
• Import Duty
• VAT
• FTA / Tariff Eligibility
• Thai FDA Requirements, where applicable
• TIS Requirements, where applicable
• Import Permits
• Battery / Chemical / DG
• Wooden Packaging
• Incoterms
• Delivery Location

Common Mistakes When Importing or Exporting to the USA

• Relying on outdated information that all shipments below USD 800 are duty-free
• Assuming that the USA has 10% VAT
• Using Thailand’s HS Code directly as the HTSUS
• Failing to specify Country of Origin
• Shipping food before checking FDA requirements
• Not knowing who the Importer of Record is
• Offering DDP without an Import Setup
• Using “Gift” to avoid regulations
• Declaring a Sample with Value 0
• Not declaring Batteries
• Not declaring Chemicals
• Not checking Wooden Pallets
• Assuming Carrier acceptance means Customs approval
• Comparing Sea Freight using Ocean Freight alone
• Not providing a ZIP Code
• Treating an old Transit Time as guaranteed
• Not checking Destination Charges
• Not arranging a Customs Broker before Cargo Arrival

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping to and from the USA (FAQ)

What Are the Shipping Options from Thailand to the USA?

The main options are Air Courier, Air Cargo, and Sea Freight via LCL or FCL. Choose based on weight, dimensions, Lead Time, and cost.

How Long Does Shipping to the USA Take?

There is no single Transit Time for every Route. Check the actual Origin, Destination, Airline / Shipping Line, Schedule, Customs process, and Inland Delivery for the Shipment.

Are Goods Valued Below USD 800 Duty-free When Entering the USA?

Do not treat this as a general rule under current conditions. U.S. Low-value Import policies have changed, so check the rules in effect when the Shipment enters the USA.

What Is the VAT Rate in the USA?

The United States does not have a Federal VAT system like Thailand. State / Local Sales Tax is separate from Customs Duty.

Does Shipping Food from Thailand to the USA Require FDA Compliance?

Many types of Commercial Food are subject to FDA Requirements, such as Registration, Prior Notice, or Importer Requirements, depending on the case. Check the actual product and transaction before shipping.

Can Fruit Be Shipped to the USA?

Some types can be shipped if they meet the applicable requirements. Check USDA / Plant Health Requirements, Origin, Permits, and Treatment for the specific Commodity.

Can Cosmetics Be Shipped to the USA?

They may be shipped depending on the Product, but Commercial Imports should be checked against FDA and relevant cosmetics laws before shipping.

Can Batteries Be Shipped to the USA?

Some types can be shipped, but Battery Classification, Capacity, Packaging, and Carrier Policy must be checked before Booking.

Can FOB Be Used for Air Cargo to the USA?

No. FOB is an Incoterm for Sea / Inland Waterway Transport. Choose an appropriate rule for Any Mode based on the transaction.

Is There an FTA for Imports from the USA to Thailand?

Do not assume that goods from the USA automatically qualify for a 0% Duty Rate. Check the actual HS Code and applicable Tariff. Thailand and the USA do not have a bilateral FTA for ordinary goods in the manner described.

U.S. Import and Export Services with CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides transportation services between Thailand and the United States through

• Air Courier
• Air Cargo
• Sea Freight LCL
• Sea Freight FCL

Related services may include

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

subject to the Service Scope of the Shipment.

When requesting a quote for U.S. imports or exports, prepare the following information:

• Product Name and Photos
• Number of Packages
• Dimensions after Packing
• Gross Weight
• Cargo Value
• HS Code, if available
• Country of Origin
• Origin
• Destination City and ZIP Code
• Incoterms
• Cargo Ready Date
• Required Delivery Date
• Battery / Chemical / Food / Special Product details, where applicable

This enables the CPL INTER team to assess Routing, Freight Mode, and relevant Logistics requirements before Booking.

U.S. Customs, Tariff, Low-value Import, FDA, USDA, and product requirements can change. Always check the current requirements with the Importer, Customs Broker, and relevant authorities before the actual Shipment.

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

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