Import Customs clearance by land and releasing goods from Customs

When importing goods from foreign countries via land routes, those responsible for importing the goods must strictly follow Customs procedures, which have the following steps:

1. Report vehicles entering and submit goods accounts by land (Vehicle Manifest);
2. Submit an import declaration;
3. Make payment for import duty and taxes (if any).

When the importer or agent has completed the steps above, the computer system of the Thai Customs Department (e-Customs system) will analyze the risks from the data in the import declaration and send an inspection order to the importer/ agent, who then proceeds to the next step: 

1. If the order is "Nothing to declare (Green Line)," the importer may immediately contact the Customs officer to release any goods from Customs custody;
2. If the order is "Goods to declare (Red Line)," the importer must contact the Customs officer, who will inspect the goods before releasing any goods from customs;
3. If the order is "Contact custom officer due to License Exemption (Yellow Line)," the importer must contact the Customs officer to examine the license exemption conditions before any goods can be released from Customs.

Data updated on March 19, 2020
Source: Arayaprathet Customs House, Regional Customs Bureau 1
Tel. : +66 3723 0313