Jump To
- 1 How Long It Takes From China To Thailand
- 2 Air Freight from China to Thailand
- 3 Sea Freight From China To Thailand
- 4 Import Customs Clearance In Thailand
- 5 How ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement benefit to your shipment
- 6 Import Tax And Duties In Thailand
- 7 Door Delivery In Thailand
- 8 DDP Shipping from China to Thailand
Shipping From China to Thailand
Shipping from China to Thailand is a long and complicated process. However, if you know the right Chinese freight forwarder in China, it can be a lot easier.
The cheapest way to ship from China to Thailand is through sea freight. Chinese Freight forwarders are responsible for getting your goods from the port of entry in China to your desired destination port in Thailand.
There are many shipping routes from China to Thailand, but the one with the lowest cost might not be the fastest or cheapest. When shipping by air cargo, it is one of the most expensive routes but also one of the fastest. The most popular shipping option is sea freight, which takes a lot longer than air freight, but it’s cheaper too. Shipping by air cargo is expensive but rapid, and so the best choice for last-minute shoppers or deliveries.
There are many factors that go into calculating the cost of shipping from China to the Thailand. The freight forwarder in China, the type of cargo, and the destination all have an effect on the cost.
One important factor is whether or not you are using a container or a LCL but less time consuming method like air freight. Another factor is which freight forwarder you use to ship your goods. The final factor is how long it takes for your goods to be shipped from China to Thailand and this can vary depending on where in China your goods are being shipped from.
How to Arrange Shipment when importing from China to Thailand
Step 1: Understand Trade Regulations
Ensure you are up-to-date with the latest trade laws when exporting from China and importing to Thailand. As regulations frequently change, staying informed is crucial. This initial step also involves preparing the necessary documentation for a seamless customs process.
Step 2: Identify Your Imports
Consider what products your business can successfully sell. It’s essential to verify market demand in Thailand and understand the potential profitability after covering production, marketing, and distribution costs.
Step 3: Select a Shipping Method
Choose an appropriate shipping method based on your product type, weight, and volume. If unsure, seek advice to find the best shipping option for your needs.
Step 4: Locate a Supplier
Finding the right supplier is key. Use online searches and establish relationships with Chinese suppliers that can offer quality products. Consider various sources like:
- Business-to-business platforms
- Direct visits to trade fairs
- Recommendations from freight forwarders
- Chinese sourcing companies
Step 5: Calculate Tax Responsibilities
Be aware of the 7% value-added tax imposed by Thai customs, along with any other applicable taxes and fees. Understanding these costs upfront will help you avoid unexpected expenses and complications during customs clearance.
Step 6: Understand Incoterms
If new to international shipping, familiarize yourself with Incoterms. These are global rules defining the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions, crucial for managing payments, insurance, and shipping documents.
Step 7: Manage Customs Clearance
The customs clearance process involves several steps:
- Data entry
- Document declaration
- Goods assessment
- Permit acquisition
- Fee payment
- Goods warehousing and exit
Step 8: Hire a Freight Forwarder
To simplify the complex logistics of international shipping, employ a reputable and experienced freight forwarder. They can manage the movement of your goods from the factory to their final destination in Thailand, ensuring a smooth and efficient shipping process.
By following these steps and choosing reliable partners, you can effectively manage your import activities from China to Thailand.
Overview of Shipping Options from China to Thailand
Sea Shipping from China to Thailand
Thailand was the largest export market of goods to China in 2020. The total value of the Thailand import from China reached $5.5 billion, accounting for 9% of the total import from China, when shipping cargo from China to Thailand, the most popular methods are sea freight, air freight, and rail freight. The three main sea ports in the Thailand is Bangkok.
Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping
With FCL shipping, you reserve an entire container for your goods. This option is ideal for larger shipments that fill or nearly fill a container. FCL can be more economical than LCL when you calculate the shipping cost per unit, especially for heavier or bulkier shipments from China to Thailand.
Less than Container Load (LCL) Shipping
LCL shipping means your goods will be transported in a container shared with other shippers. This is an excellent choice if you’re not ready to pay for an entire container. LCL offers a cost-effective solution for importing smaller shipments from China to Thailand.
Air Freight from China to Thailand
Air freight from China to Bangkok Thailand is ideal for shipping cargo of relatively high value and urgency, but not necessarily large. With Air freight service from China, you’ll get door-to-door delivery in a shorter amount of time than with other transport options.
The cost of air freight is higher than sea freight or rail freight. However, air freight has many advantages over these transportation methods. Air freight is safer, faster, and more convenient than other modes of transport. Air freight also offers greater flexibility for scheduling deliveries and managing the flow of goods.
Air Freight Costs and Transit Times
Air freight costs from China to Thailand include various fees like fuel surcharges, security fees, terminal fees, and other surcharges. These costs are adjusted by airlines based on factors such as seasonal demand and international oil prices. The table below provides a comprehensive view of the costs and estimated transit times for shipping different weights from various cities in China to key destinations in Thailand.
| City in China | City in Thailand | Cost (USD per Tonne) | Cost for 10 kg (USD) | Cost for 100 kg (USD) | Cost for 500 kg (USD) | Transit Time (Days) |
| Ningbo | Bangkok | 500 | 5 | 50 | 250 | 4 |
| Shanghai | Chiang Mai | 550 | 5.5 | 55 | 275 | 4 |
| Guangzhou | Phuket | 450 | 4.5 | 45 | 225 | 3.5 |
| Chongqing | Pattaya | 480 | 4.8 | 48 | 240 | 4.5 |
The typical air freight transit time from China to Thailand ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 days, depending on the origin and destination cities. For more detailed information or assistance with your shipping needs, please contact our shipping experts. We are here to help from the initial dispatch in China to the final delivery in Thailand.
DDP Shipping from China to Thailand
Shipping your goods by DDP terms save your shipping costs and removes the need for you to care about taxes and duties, which saves time and money. Using a freight forwarder like Super In’l Shipping is going to make everything easier for you at every step. DDP shipping from China to Thailand can be done in several different ways: sea freight, road freight, rail freight, or air freight. You’ll need to prepare a few documents for your Chinese factory to fill out when they’re exporting your goods from China.
DDP Shipping is a popular shipping method in the Thailand. It is also known as Door to Door (D2D) shipping. In this type of shipping, the consignee can receive the shipment at their doorstep, without any additional charges.
The consignee needs to be available at the address where they want to receive the shipment and sign for it on delivery. The company then delivers it to them and takes responsibility for any damages or losses that may occur during transit. DDP is a very secure method of shipping because it does not require any third-party involvement in order for goods to be delivered successfully.
DDP stands for “Delivery Duty Paid.” It means that the seller pays all costs related to the delivery of your cargo. These include transportation and insurance costs. This is in contrast to FOB terms (Free on Board), which means that you pay all the costs up until a certain point of time. After that point, the buyer takes over and has to pay for the rest of the way.
It’s a very popular way of shipping goods between Thailand and China, and it’s used by businesses in a wide range of industries
Cargo need to go through customs clearance in China before they are exported. They will be sent to our warehouse in Shenzhen or you can appoint us to pick up your goods from your China factory. In Thailand, we use our business partners as importers for import declarations. We manage all customs clearance procedures from China and Thailand.
Last miles delivery will be arranged by express couriers
DDP shipping best for Amazon FBA Shipping, business addresses, private addresses.
DDP Shipping Costs and Requirements
When considering DDP shipping from China to Thailand, understand that this option covers all expenses from the origin to your doorstep, including shipping and insurance costs. This method, whether by sea or air, ensures that you don’t have to worry about additional taxes and duties, offering a hassle-free experience.
Transit times vary based on the mode of transport. Sea freight generally takes between 10-16 days, while air freight is quicker, taking about 2-4 days depending on the departure and arrival ports. Below is a detailed table that outlines both the costs and transit times for different shipping methods from China to Thailand, such as door-to-door air freight from Shanghai to Bangkok.
|
Shipping Type |
From (China) |
To (Thailand) |
Total Cost (USD for 100kg) |
Transit Time (Days) |
Cost per Kilo (USD) |
|
Air Freight DDP |
Shanghai Airport |
Bangkok Airport |
1100 |
2 |
11 |
|
Air Freight |
Hong Kong Airport |
Phuket Airport |
1200 |
3 |
12 |
|
Sea Freight |
Port of Shanghai |
Port of Bangkok |
700 |
14 |
7 |
|
Sea Freight |
Port of Guangzhou |
Port of Laem Chabang |
800 |
16 |
8 |
|
Road Freight |
Shanghai |
Bangkok |
1500 |
10 |
15 |
|
Road Freight |
Guangzhou |
Chiang Mai |
1600 |
12 |
16 |
Choosing DDP shipping simplifies the process, making it cost-effective and efficient by eliminating concerns about external fees. For more specific details or assistance with your shipping options from China to Thailand, feel free to contact our experts. We are here to ensure your shipping process is smooth and straightforward.
Transit Time Overview by Various Transport Methods
How Long Does Sea Shipping Take?
Sea shipping times vary based on the size of the container and the origin and destination ports. Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of the transit times for Full Container Load (FCL) shipments for both 20-foot and 40-foot containers, as well as for Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments between various ports in China and Thailand.
| Port in China | Port in Thailand | FCL 20 foot (Days) | FCL 40 foot (Days) | LCL (Days) |
| Hong Kong | Bangkok | 14 | 15 | 18 |
| Shanghai | Chiang Mai | 12 | 13 | 16 |
| Guangzhou | Phuket | 16 | 17 | 20 |
| Chongqing | Pattaya | 15 | 16 | 19 |
How Long is Air Freight Transit Time?
When it comes to air freight, transit times are generally shorter compared to sea shipping. The table below highlights the transit times for air shipments from various airports in China to different destinations in Thailand.
| Airport in China | Airport in Thailand | Transit Time (Days) |
| Shanghai | Bangkok | 4 |
| Tianjin | Laem Chabang | 5 |
| Guangzhou | Phuket | 3.5 |
| Shenzhen | Songkhla | 4.5 |
Whether you are shipping by sea or air, understanding these transit times can help you plan better and ensure timely delivery of your goods. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, feel free to reach out to our shipping experts. We are here to assist you every step of the way.
Cost Analysis of Shipping Methods (Updated in April 2024)
Sea Freight Costs From China to Thailand
Cost of 40FT and 20FT Container Shipping
Sea freight is often the most cost-effective method for large shipments. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with shipping 20-foot and 40-foot containers from China to Thailand:
| From (Port in China) | To (Port in Thailand) | Total Cost (USD for 20FT) | Total Cost (USD for 40FT) |
| Port of Shanghai | Port of Bangkok | 370 | 600 |
| Port of Guangzhou | Port of Laem Chabang | 240 | 430 |
Air Freight Charges from China to Thailand
Air freight, while more expensive than sea freight, offers faster transit times. Below are the costs for shipping 100 kilograms of goods via air from China to Thailand:
| From (Airport in China) | To (Airport in Thailand) | Total Cost (USD for 100kg) | Cost per Kilo (USD) |
| Shanghai Airport | Bangkok Airport | USD5.5 | 11 |
| Beijing Airport | Phuket Airport | USD6.5 | 12 |
Shipping Routes from China to Thailand
Sea shipping is a reliable and steady way to transport goods from China to Thailand. The journey usually takes 12 to 15 days. There are multiple shipping lines to choose from, each offering different schedules to suit your needs. When considering the entire process from door to door, it generally takes about 25 to 35 days.
Customs and Compliance when Importing into Thailand from China
When shipping from China to Thailand, the customs process begins once you submit the customs declaration form and accompanying documents at the Thai port of entry. Thai customs officials will examine these documents to ensure everything is in order, including the completeness of forms and documents, the applicable tax rates, and the valuation of goods. After these checks, your customs clearance process will be completed.
Import Customs Clearance in Thailand
When a shipment arrives in Thailand, the import customs clearance process is necessary. Cargo arrives at the seaport of Thailand, it must go through import customs clearance. This process can take 1-2 days after the arrival date of the cargo at the seaport and will be completed on the same day. In the Super International shipping , we have our own customs broker in Thailand to handle the import customs declaration. If you don’t have your own customs broker, we can help you find one.
How the Customs Process Works
When goods arrive in Thailand, the customs procedures follow a standard protocol similar to those in many other countries. Importers must complete several key steps to ensure compliance with Thai customs regulations.
Firstly, an entry form must be filed electronically through the e-Customs system. This form is essential for initiating the customs process.
Few Things To Pay Attention When Air Freight From China To Thailand
- Once you confirmed transport by air freight from China to Thailand, you need to provide the cargo details, cargo weight, cargo dimension. Once itinerary is confirmed, freight forwarder in China provides flight departure time and other information for your shipment.
- Air freight cargo must be packaged to fulfil airline’s regulations, the packaging also varies according to different types of goods. In Super International Shipping, we provide professional packaging service in our China warehouse, that could saving your time also make sure your cargo packing fits into airline repacking requirement.
- For fragile products, make sure fragile label stick onto outer packaging. In addition to the address label on the outside of the packaging bag, try not to carry other irrelevant signs.
How To Determine Which Seaport In China For Sea Shipping
Shanghai Seaport
The Shanghai seaport is one of the most important seaports in the world. It is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River in East China. The port has access to a large portion of inland China, including the North China Plain, the lower Yangtze River Basin and Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces.
As a coastal city, it is also a gateway to oceanic shipping routes. A network of highways and railways connect with this port to make it accessible from all over China.
Ningbo Seaport
Ningbo Seaport
Ningbo is one of the seaports with the largest export volume in China, and the port code is CNNBO. It is an important shipping hub of Chinese seaports. The seaport area has a unique geographical location and convenient transportation. The Yiwu area is located about 100km south of Ningbo. It is also an important hub for trade in China and many local businesses rely upon Ningbo to ship their products to customers all over the world. Ningbo handles about half of all imports from Yiwu’s factories.
Shenzhen Seaport
Shenzhen seaport is a key coastal shipping hub, with excellent multimodal transportation links to destinations across China, including nearby Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Shenzhen seaport comprises two main areas: Yantian and Dapeng Port Area in the east, and Nanshan, Dachan Bay, Dachan Island, Xiaochan Island and Baoan Port Area in the west.
Guangzhou seaport
Guangzhou Seaport as the world’s fifth busiest container port in Asia, the port has four areas: Inner Port, Huangpu Port, Xinsha Port and Nansha Port. The Nansha area is the main container port that provides ocean liners and large-scale vessels. The radius of the Nansha port is 100 kilometers, located in the center of the Pearl River Delta, connecting cities on both sides of the Pearl River.
Qingdao Seaport
Qingdao Seaport, located in the eastern Shandong province of China, is a deepwater port with a high degree of automation. In terms of container throughput, it ranks sixth among Asian ports. It’s also one of the most important seaports in China.
Shipping from Qingdao Port is convenient because of its location on the Yellow Sea, and its proximity to shipping lanes which connect China to other Asian nations, as well as the Middle East and Europe.
Xingang Seaport
Tianjin seaport is major international commerce and shipping hub in northeast China. It serves as the transhipment gateway to Beijing, Tianjin and other cities by import cargo and export cargo.
Chongqing seaport
Chongqing seaport is an inland seaport in Chongqing, China. It is the largest water transportation hub on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and connects to Shanghai seaport. The Chongqing Port Road is connected with Chongqing-Wuhan and Chongqing-Changsha highways.
Hong Kong Seaport
Hong Kong is a free seaport and thrives on its ability to handle large volumes of cargo. The port, one of the busiest in Asia. This makes it an attractive place for shipping cargo as well as storing goods before sending them elsewhere around the world.
Hong Kong seaport has been divided into three main areas: North Harbour, South Harbour, and Kwai Chung Container Terminal.
The North Harbour area has been upgraded to include a new ferry terminal and cruise ship terminal, as well as additional warehouses. The South Harbour area has been upgraded to include an expanded cruise ship terminal.
Hong Kong seaport handles container ships, passenger ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers, ocean vessels and general cargo ships. The Kwai Chung Container Terminal is one of the world’s largest facilities for handling containers.
How ASEAN China Free Trade Agreement benefit to your shipment
China and the ASEAN countries are officially trading partners. The China – ASEAN Free Trade Certificate of Origin is now applicable to exports to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, and Myanmar as well. In order to be considered the product of an ASEAN preferential origin, your product has to comply with the regulations issued by China – ASEAN Free Trade Area (e.g., Product Form E). It should originate in one of these 10 countries: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei darussalam and other emerging economies bordering on the Pacific Ocean
This is the standard format of trade certificates of origin that must be respected. In ‘The Trade in Goods Agreement’ Protocol II, there are also other regulations regarding the backside description.
Foreign Trade Agreements (FTAs) between China and Thailand bring you reduced import duties, which can help you develop infrastructures such as railways. This should lead to a significant decline in logistics costs, which will be beneficial for business and tourism here in Thailand.
Thailand is trading roughly 80% of its goods to/from an ASEAN country, at a competitive price. Such trade arrangements have been instrumental in boosting development in the ASEAN bloc. It is important that China and Thailand enter into a free trade agreement. This will be beneficial to both countries.
The Following Are Mandatory Customs Clearance Documents When Importing Into Thailand
When importing cargo into Thailand, the importer is responsible for ensuring that all applicable customs clearance documents are provided. The importer or his authorised customs agent must submit the following documents to the customs office at the port of entry or submitted electronically through the Federal Customs Administration’s single window system (e-Customs)
- Packing List that listing all of the items being imported, including their country of origin and HS code
- Commercial Invoice with commercial value in USD
- Bill of Lading
- Arrival Notice
- A commercial invoice will be needed for any non-EU goods valued over €6,000 that do not require a declaration. For more information on importing into Thailand please consult Thailand Federal Customs Office
HS codes are a unique ten-digit number, which is also known as the Tariff code or Customs code. HS codes are used to describe a product to calculate the customs duties and import tax for any shipments into Thailand. There are three types of HS Codes:
The first two digits represent the heading. The third digit represents the subheading, and the fourth represents the first four digits of the six-digit product code.
For example: 8703.91.00
8703 represents the heading, and 91 represents the four-digit product code within this section (9100).
HS Code is useful for importing goods into Thailand in order to calculate import duties and taxes, especially for companies that have international trading relationships with companies in Thailand
Regarding HS code you can check with your Chinese suppliers or consult with our shipping team
Customs in China http://english.customs.gov.cn/
Door to door Delivery from China to Thailand
Door delivery is a service that is available to assist with your international shipments no matter DAP or DDP. Door to door delivery options generally fall into two categories: Trucking delivery and express door delivery.
Trucking deliveries are shipped by truck, from the origin station to your door. Trucking is the most common method and takes approximately 1-2 days for transit time. The cost for this method is cheaper than express services , but the cost is higher than ground services
DDP Shipping transit time from China to Thailand
- DDP Air freight from China to Thailand can take between 4-5 days.
- DDP Road freight from China to Thailand can take 13-14 days by LCL
- DDP Rail freight from China to Thailand can take 16-20 days by LCL
- DDP Sea freight shipping from China to Thailand takes 30-35 days by LCL
DDP Shipping Requirement From China To Thailand:
- Do not send any items that infringe on intellectual property rights.
- Do not send any illegal
- Items need to be labeled with “Made in China” on their packaging and SKU labels.
In addition to cargo original packaging, the outer carton should be new and sturdy. Suggest using transparent tape to seal the carton’s outer box. Do not use coloured tape.
DDP shipping from China to Thailand weight limit range from 11Kg/ to 21Kg. The maximum gross weight for each waybill is 30Kg.
DDP shipping from China to Thailand min chargeable weight per shipment is 100kgs.
Please make sure that the total cargo weight of all the items does not exceed 30Kg.