Customs Broker in Thailand: What They Do and How to Choose One

Last updated: 10 November 2026

A customs broker in Thailand handles customs formalities on behalf of the owner of the goods. Thai traders call this service “shipping” (ชิปปิ้ง), so you may hear the word used for the broker rather than the transport. This article explains what a customs broker does, how it differs from a freight forwarder, what costs to expect and how to choose one.

Quick summary: what does a customs broker do?

• “Shipping” in Thailand = customs broker: prepares customs declarations, pays duties and taxes, and deals with Thai Customs for the importer or exporter.
• A license from Thai Customs is required: under Section 99 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017).
• A freight forwarder handles the transport: booking ships or aircraft and coordinating the whole route. Many companies do both jobs.
• The importer stays responsible: for the correct tariff code, value and taxes, even after hiring a broker.
• Choose by license, an itemized quotation and experience with goods like yours, not by the lowest price alone.

What does a customs broker in Thailand do?

The Thai word “shipping” comes from English, but in Thailand it means the person or company that clears goods through customs. Thai customs law calls them an “agent” authorized by the importer or exporter, and the trade calls them a customs broker.

Main tasks on the import side:

• Checking documents: comparing the Commercial Invoice, Packing List and transport document so the details match.
• Checking the tariff code and permits: assessing the HS Code and duty rate, and whether the goods need a permit from another agency.
• Preparing and submitting the declaration: sending the import declaration electronically to the Thai Customs system.
• Paying duties and taxes: import duty, VAT and any other taxes, through the channels Thai Customs specifies.
• Handling inspections: if the system orders a physical inspection, the broker books the officer, presents the goods and answers questions.
• Getting the goods out of the port: collecting the Delivery Order, paying port charges and arranging a truck to your warehouse, depending on the agreed scope of work.

Exports work in a similar way: the broker prepares the export declaration, makes sure the goods reach the port or airport before the cut-off, and helps prepare documents the buyer needs, such as a Certificate of Origin.

Who should use a customs broker?

An importer registered with Thai Customs can clear goods itself, but it needs a system for submitting data, knowledge of tariff codes and customs valuation, and staff to deal with the port. Most businesses therefore hire a broker, especially when they:

• Import or export only occasionally, so an in-house customs team does not pay off.
• Ship goods that need permits, or goods whose tariff code is hard to determine.
• Want to claim reduced duty, for example under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Want one provider to handle everything from transport to delivery at the warehouse.

Customs broker vs freight forwarder: what is the difference?

A customs broker deals with customs, while a freight forwarder manages the movement of the goods. The two jobs meet in the middle, which is why the terms are often mixed up.

Many companies offer both services. The advantage is one party responsible from start to finish, so information does not get lost along the way, but ask clearly which parts of the job the price covers. For choosing a sea freight method, see FCL vs LCL.

What costs come with hiring a customs broker?

Prices differ between providers depending on the type of goods, the number of items on the declaration, the port or airport and the scope of work. The key is to separate service fees from costs the broker pays on your behalf at actual cost.

Items the broker pays on your behalf should come with the receipt from the party that was actually paid. Storage and container charges increase by the day, so late documents can raise your costs. For port charges in detail, see collecting import containers at Laem Chabang Port.

Does a customs broker need a license?

Yes. Section 99 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) states that anyone authorized by an importer or exporter to act in respect of goods must be licensed by the Director-General of Customs. Section 101 allows the Director-General to suspend or revoke the license if the agent breaks its conditions.

The detailed criteria are set out in the Thai Customs notification on customs brokers and customs clearance staff. The key points are:

• A customs broker must be a juristic person registered in Thailand, or an individual of Thai nationality.
• Staff who carry out clearance must pass the tests set by Thai Customs and be registered with the department.
• The license has a validity period and must be renewed on time.

Section 99 also treats a licensed agent as the owner of the goods, so the broker is answerable to Thai Customs too. However, this does not release the importer from responsibility for the information declared.

How do you choose a reliable customs broker?

1. Check that it is a licensed customs broker: ask for proof of registration with Thai Customs and the name of the legal entity that will submit your declarations.
2. Ask for an itemized quotation: service fees, costs paid on your behalf, and duties and taxes should be clearly separated, with a note of what the price does not include.
3. Ask about experience with goods like yours: especially goods that need permits, such as food, cosmetics, electrical appliances or chemicals.
4. Confirm that declarations are filed under your importer name: and that you will receive copies of the declaration and the duty and tax receipt for your records.
5. Look at communication: regular status updates, and notice of extra charges before they are incurred.
6. Be wary of unusually low all-in prices: if the price is low because the value or tariff code is declared incorrectly, the importer may face back-assessed duty and penalties.

Pay duties and taxes only through official channels, and never transfer money in response to a message claiming your goods are held at customs. Learn the warning signs in import-export scams to watch for.

What documents should you give your customs broker?

Before you start

• Register as an importer or exporter with Thai Customs: then add your broker as your agent in the system. See the Thai Customs registration (Paperless) service.
• Product information: name, material, use, photos or a catalog, for checking the tariff code.

For every import

• Commercial Invoice: price, currency and delivery terms such as FOB or CIF. See Incoterms 2020.
• Packing List: number of packages, weights and dimensions.
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill: the sea or air transport document.
• Certificate of Origin: if you want to claim reduced duty.
• Import permit: for controlled goods, ideally obtained before the goods arrive in Thailand.
• Freight and insurance invoices: if you buy on FOB or EXW terms, because they are needed to calculate the customs value.

For exports, you need the Commercial Invoice, Packing List and booking confirmation. If the goods need an export permit, have it ready before the goods are delivered to the port.

What are the steps when working with a customs broker?

1. Send product details before you place the order: so the broker can check the tariff code, duty rate and permits. If the tariff code is uncertain, you can request an advance ruling from Thai Customs under Section 18.
2. Agree on the scope of work and price: whether it starts at the port or at pickup overseas, and whether delivery to your warehouse is included.
3. Send draft documents for checking: before the seller issues the final versions and before the goods depart.
4. The broker submits the declaration and tells you the tax amount: check the figures and pay as agreed.
5. Wait for the system result: if the shipment is released without inspection (Green Line), you can collect the goods once taxes are paid. If an inspection is required (Red Line), an officer must inspect the goods first.
6. Collect the goods and keep the documents: keep copies of the declaration and receipts for your accounts and in case of a post-clearance audit.

For the full import process, see how to import goods into Thailand.

Frequently asked questions

Are a “shipping” and a customs broker the same thing?

Yes. “Shipping” is the everyday Thai trade term, while customs broker (ตัวแทนออกของ) is the name used in Thai Customs regulations.

Can I import without a customs broker?

Yes, if you are registered with Thai Customs as a customs client and can submit declarations electronically yourself. You are then fully responsible for the tariff code, value and permits.

If the broker declares something wrongly, who is responsible?

Toward Thai Customs, the importer remains liable for any unpaid tax, and the agent is also treated as the owner of the goods. Any loss between you and the broker depends on the contract you agreed.

When should I contact a customs broker?

Before you place the order, or at the latest before the goods leave origin, so there is time to correct documents or obtain permits and to reduce port storage charges.

Do I need a customs broker for an international express parcel?

Usually not. Express courier companies approved by Thai Customs act as the customs broker for the shipper, but the consignee still has to pay the actual duties and taxes.