Export shells from Thailand. Customs rules: what can not be imported and exported from Thailand? Without filling out a declaration and paying a fee, you can take it to Thailand

Worth a close look thailand customs regulations. Local legislators took care to be as specific as possible about what exactly cannot be imported into Thailand and what cannot be taken out of the country. And the first thing you need to understand is that it is not worth trying to smuggle any drugs across the border, for this the highest penalty is provided - the death sentence.

What is not subject to state import duty?

As usual, you can easily bring personal items into the country, as well as professional paraphernalia: a camera, a computer, etc. (more on what is best with you). Most importantly, before passing customs control make sure that the total value of the luggage carried does not exceed 10,000 baht. It is better to print everything new and unused before in advance so that the customs officers do not have suspicions that the items are being transported not for use, but for sale.

What should not be imported?

Rules for importing into Thailand strictly prohibit the import of narcotic drugs, this also applies to pills recognized in the country as narcotic drugs. As mentioned earlier, this is punishable by the highest measure of punishment by local standards. For the import of psychotropic substances, these include ephedrine and similar compounds, a prison sentence of up to 5 years is provided.

When temporarily exporting things from the country, it is better to declare them at customs with unique identifiers. In this case, when entering with them, it will be possible to avoid the mandatory payment of customs duties.

If you are going to visit Thailand, it is important to know what goods cannot be exported from the country. Violation of this rule can lead not only to a fine, but also to a ban on subsequent entry into Thailand. The most interesting thing is that many of these prohibited goods can be freely bought on the market and their sale has not been stopped by the authorities. Therefore, before the trip, you should familiarize yourself with what cannot be exported from Thailand.

Below I have described in detail what cannot be exported from Thailand.

Image and figurine of Buddha above 30 cm

Thais revere the Buddha very much, so the government has imposed a ban on the export of paintings and figurines of the deity above 30 cm. Usually souvenirs are sold in shops and markets that do not contradict this ban.

Fruits

earth and sand

By law, all land in Thailand is owned by the king, it can not be exported or bought. Even a flower in a pot will be taken away from you at the airport if it grows in the ground, and does not stand in a special nutrient gel. It is also forbidden to take sand from the beaches, they will also take it from you and give you a fine for breaking the law.

Ivories

The elephant is a sacred animal of Thailand and it is strictly forbidden to export any souvenirs made of elephant bones or skins. You can buy such souvenirs in any market, but you cannot take them out of the country. Even if sellers tell you otherwise, don't believe them, their main goal is to sell. And at the airport, such souvenirs will be taken away from you and they will give you a fine.

Corals and shells can be exported from Thailand only in the form of small souvenirs. If they are not processed in any way, then they will be taken away from you and a fine will be issued.

Stuffed animals and crocodile skin

In many shops and markets, you can buy stuffed animals and processed crocodile skin, but it is forbidden to export such things from Thailand. An exception to this rule are finished products made of crocodile skin, such as bags, wallets, belts, etc.

Skins, fangs, bones of a tiger, leopard and other cats

Infrequently, but you can find such products on the counter, but selling and exporting such products from Thailand is strictly prohibited.

In Thailand, you can often see dried seahorses for sale, but you can’t take them out of the country.

Turtles and products from them

In Thailand, turtles are under state protection, so live turtles and products from them are prohibited from exporting.

Such goods are sold illegally in Thailand; it is forbidden to export stuffed bats.

Beetles, butterflies and other insects

It is forbidden to export some beetles, butterflies and insects. If they are packed in a transparent box, then such souvenirs can be brought home.

The export of unprocessed precious stones and gold bars is also prohibited. National works of art and antiques may only be exported with permission from the Department fine arts. For the export of precious items, a certificate of purchase is required.

It is also forbidden to export drugs, weapons, large sums of money from Thailand. national currency(more than 50,000 baht). However, such things are prohibited and are a crime not only in Thailand, but also in other countries of the world.

Thai customs is quite demanding on the rules for importing medicines, products and substances into Thailand. We want to talk about the main import bans so that you do not have any problems.
You must understand that there are official rules, and if some Vasya claims to you that he managed to smuggle one of the illegal drugs or smuggle more booze than expected, he is really lucky, but you may not.

The amount of personal belongings that can be imported into Thailand without any problems is 10,000 baht (314.39 USD). It can be a gift in a package or, for example, a phone with a check. Thais do not pay attention to expensive laptops and cameras, provided that they are personal (there may be problems with the transport of packaged or commercial parties). Personal effects must be declared if they exceed the amount of 80,000 baht (2,515.12 USD). Otherwise, problems may arise with the subsequent departure from the country.
Currency can be imported into the country without restrictions, but amounts over $20,000 must be declared.

• • Any pornographic materials or intimate products that look like genitals.
  • Electronic cigarettes and hookah.
  • Firearms and ammunition (such as fireworks or firecrackers).
  • Drugs and medicines containing narcotic substances.
  • Gold bars and plates.
  • Crafts and pirated copies.
  • Dogs of fighting breeds (Pit Bull Terrier; American Staffordshire Terrier; American Staffordshire Bull Terrier.)
  • It is forbidden to import powerbank more than 32000mah.

Smaller power banks should only be carried in hand luggage.

Duty-free import into Thailand

• • 200 cigarettes per person

If you are flying as a family, you can take twice as much, but you need to pack packs equally for husband and wife. It is forbidden to take cigarettes on a child.

• • 1 liter of alcohol per adult.

It doesn’t matter what it is (wine, beer or vodka) and what kind of fortress - they count by volume.

If you try to carry goods over the established limit without duty, while not registering things, you will be fined 4 times the value of the goods.
Therefore, if your value or volume of goods exceeds the restrictions, you must declare your baggage. To do this, go to the red zone and declare the goods.

Regarding the import of products into Thailand. Thais turn a blind eye to the transportation of sausages, seeds and buckwheat. However, you can always be suspected of commercial transportation of goods (the amount should not exceed 10,000 baht (314.39 USD)). Also, do not carry groceries in hand luggage.

If animals are imported, they must have all permits.

About Importing Medicines into Thailand

Thailand has very strict legislation and many medicines that we have are not narcotic there are recognized as such. As an example, we can cite the familiar Corvalol. This drug is prohibited from being imported into Thailand due to the content of phenobarbital.
There are two divisions of illicit drugs in the country: narcotic and psychotropic.
Here is the official list of prohibited drugs that cannot be imported into Thailand without documents.

A very important step when crossing the border of a foreign state is the passage of customs control. Many have heard about this, but package tourists usually bypass this duty. A simplified version of passing through the Green channel implies that the tourist does not carry anything prohibited or in excess of the established norms. So it is in most cases, but the option without inspection should not relax. Periodically, the authorities conduct spot checks, because security checks with scanning will easily reveal the presence of a large batch of cosmetics, alcohol or cigarettes. Although, Russian customs officers check tourists more often.

Customs at the Russian border

On my first trip abroad at the Yemelyanovo airport, I recognized the customs officer only on the question after me. A pretty girl in uniform asked - “are you carrying more than $ 10,000 in currency?”. A package tourist, of course, does not take such an amount with him. You can take any amount abroad and in any currency, if the amount exceeds 10,000 in dollar terms, it must be declared. The banknotes of all states that a citizen has are taken into account, including native rubles - this must be remembered. Traveler's checks also belong to money, but plastic cards are not taken into account. Filling out the customs declaration should not cause questions, you just need to be careful:

Russians leaving for permanent residence in Thailand were forced to buy American Express traveler's checks. Since 2013, it has become impossible to buy checks in the CIS, but information on thematic sites continues to be full of advice on exporting currency in this way. When I was preparing for my departure from my homeland, I studied many sites. I don't understand the reasons behind these suggestions. Cash currency can be exported without restrictions, but with the payment of customs duties on the amount exceeding the established limit. Information from the customs declaration on the movement of currency across the border is sent to the tax authorities. This, perhaps, is the difficulty for some unscrupulous citizens - the need to explain the origin of such large sums and the payment of taxes on profits. The same is true with bank transfers of large amounts, especially in foreign currency. It is better to stock up on various financial statements.

The fact is that when opening an account in a Thai bank, opening a deposit or commercial investment in a business, an expat must confirm that the money was imported. Thus, the Thai authorities control the inflow of capital and prevent fraudulent schemes. When receiving an investment, business, and indeed, the origin of the money must be foreign. The same is true for real estate purchases. Therefore, it is advisable to declare the amount of imported money when entering Thailand.

Personally, I took out the amount I needed in several steps, without exceeding the limit, so as not to pay a fee, but I always declared it at the border. Part of the funds was put on the Alfa Bank card with an expensive package of services, but the ability to withdraw from ATMs of various foreign banks without commission.

Thailand, customs, red channel

Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi, international Airport Bangkok, tourists in a friendly stream follow to the border. Beautiful air-conditioned halls, long passages with moving walkways help not to get tired. Above the moving stream of lucky people who have arrived, large signs in Thai and English. Board control, green channel, baggage and direction arrows. In fact, there is only one direction and it leads to the border checkpoint. Finding a customs clearance department is quite difficult. The "red corridor" is already behind border control, past the revolving baggage belts on the left before entering the lower floors and the city. If my desire to declare the amount optional for registration in Russia was surprising, in Thailand it was taken for granted. You can import into Thailand duty-free $ 20,000 or an amount in another currency in the specified dollar equivalent, import local currency more than 2000 baht is prohibited. According to my observations, people who come here take their word for it, they ask them to fill out a customs card and certify it with a red seal. No one ever asked me to show cash.

An expat living in the Kingdom of Thailand for more than 180 days is required to pay income tax. This tax applies to all types of income, even those coming from abroad. The amount brought and placed on a deposit in a bank does not fall under these requirements. To obtain a residence permit, you must confirm your financial solvency, namely, provide a certificate of payment of taxes for the period of residence. Usually a Resident permit is possible after three years, but there are exceptions.

Some subtleties of Thai customs legislation

We will not consider all customs legislation. Let me just say that it is aimed at protecting national agricultural producers and entrepreneurs who produce certain popular goods. The average customs duty is 15% of the value of imported goods. Some goods for import must be licensed, some are strictly prohibited. I will only touch on what can somehow offend an ordinary traveler who is not going to trade.
Onions, rice, oranges, seafood, dairy products and eggs cannot be imported without a special license. Audio-video media and equipment for their production, color copiers, chainsaws. Incandescent lamps, rubber tires, hair dryers and rice cookers. If you decide to bring something for your own use from the specified, difficulties may arise. Very high duties, up to 80% of the cost, for the import of motorcycles, slightly lower for cars.

The importation of drugs, weapons and ammunition is strictly prohibited. When importing animals, you must pass a strict veterinary control, dogs of fighting breeds are not allowed in Thailand! You can't import electronic cigarettes just because they're not taxed. If the older generation remembers such a term as the "Golden Triangle", they will understand why in Siam for the use of any drugs severe punishment up to death penalty. Respected by all, King Rama IX Bhumip Adulyadej turned the tide in the country. Southeast Asia in the Thailand-Burma-Laos region has ceased to be the world's supplier of opium. In this region, with the help of a wise policy of building dams and canals, issuing preferential loans to peasants, horticulture is now developing, and execution is provided for the cultivation of opium poppy.

Vat refund - VAT refund on purchased goods, 7% tax will be returned to the tourist in a special window at the airport if he spent 5,000 baht or more, upon presentation of a special check for goods. Agree, it's nice. A special check will be issued to the tourist in any supermarket and large gift shop, pharmacy and jewelry store.

My advice - from Thailand you can bring high-quality electronics, high-grade gold and gems, unique ointments and balms. Another question, we must try so that this does not cause questions at the Russian customs. You should not try to take out large statues of Buddha, shells, stuffed and live animals, crocodile and snake skin without a store receipt. Several VAT refund windows are located in the check-in hall for flights against the wall opposite the entrance.

Every year, exotic Thailand welcomes millions of tourists and travelers. This country is distinguished by bright colors and colorfulness combined with exotic nature. Absolutely everyone will want to take home a piece of picturesque tropical paradise.

But the laws of the country are adamant and clearly regulate the list of items prohibited for export. It is worth noting that some things not only cannot be transported, but also bought .

Many sellers, and even some guides, can assure you that there will be no problems. But whether to believe them, everyone decides for himself.

This exotic fruit is known throughout Earth and it is difficult to confuse it with another fruit. The reason for such fame is a disgusting aroma that cannot be confused with anything. In case of slight damage to the durian peel, the room is filled with a pungent and nasty smell.

This smell cannot be drowned out by something, and it will completely disappear only after a week. At the same time, its pulp is considered a delicacy and is extremely beneficial for men's health. With this fruit, not only will they be allowed on the plane, but also on any other transport.

Also, the passage with him is prohibited in hotels. For especially forgetful tourists, there will be signs with the inscription "No durians" and the amount of the fine.

Watermelon

It is worth noting that we are talking only about the whole watermelon. If in the case of durian the situation is clear, then the watermelon on the list of items prohibited for export looks somehow strange.

The point here is that inside the watermelon there is quite a high pressure. And when the plane gains a significant height, the pressure only increases.

Even people who do not know physics will understand what will happen in this situation. That's right, an explosion. The watermelon will simply explode, soiling everything within a radius of a couple of meters. That is why the customs service of Thailand immediately seizes the watermelon during inspection.

coconuts

Coconuts from Thailand cannot be exported both green and mature. They will not explode at a height like a watermelon, but they will not be able to take them out either. This is due to the fact that the scanner at the airport is simply not able to enlighten the coconut peel.

This property was actively used by drug dealers and terrorists, hiding everything that came to hand in a coconut. And they could get a lot: drugs, counterfeit money, weapons, explosives, etc. Therefore, the authorities of the country banned the export of coconut, thereby tying the hands of criminals.

Earth

Do not think badly of the inhabitants of this beautiful country. They don't care about the land at all. It just doesn't belong to them. And it belongs to the king of Thailand. It is for this reason that the export of land, either just a pinch or as part of a souvenir, is prohibited.

So, if a tourist wants to bring home an orchid in a pot, then he will have to leave the pot with the earth to the customs service of Thailand. By the way, some decent sellers put a special gel in the pot instead of earth. Upon arrival home, this gel is simply replaced with ordinary earth.

Buddha figurines and images

This ban applies only to figurines and images above 30 cm in height. The export of such souvenirs is considered a personal insult by the people of Thailand.

Therefore, in without fail you should measure all the figurines you like, no matter what the seller says. He must sell the goods, and not worry about his transportation across the border.

Shells and corals

It should be noted that you can still take out these items. If they are in a souvenir and their size is smaller than the small one. In this case, the customs officer may simply not notice them. All other cases of export of corals and shells can lead to useless discussions with airport staff.

It will be absolutely impossible to prove to them that you bought the coral and did not steal it from the reserve.

Sand from the beach

Beach sand is also earth. And also belongs to the King of Thailand. Therefore, it is worth leaving in the past the dreams of a jar of white sandy sand.

It still won't work to take it out.

Sea Horse

It is forbidden to export from Thailand not only live, but also dried seahorse. The ban will not affect only the crushed seahorse in the composition of traditional medicine.

All other methods are strictly prohibited.

Turtles

Turtles in Thailand, as elsewhere, are endangered species. That is why the export of the tortoise itself, its shell and various shell products are under the strictest ban.

Butterflies and beetles

In this amazing country There are a couple of species of butterflies and beetles that strike with iridescent colors of flora and fauna, which are considered especially rare and are under state protection. What kind of species these are, not many people know, except perhaps entomologists. In the meantime, very beautiful boxes with insects are sold on every corner of Thailand.

Moreover, the seller himself does not know which of them can be sold and which are not. But he knows Border Service. And if a species prohibited for sale is found, it will simply be withdrawn.

Ivory

The reason for this ban is easy to understand, because the elephant is a sacred creature for religious local population who have been honoring their traditions with trepidation for many centuries. It is not something to take out, it is impossible to kill him. In particular, the prohibition applies to ivory and fangs.

Although the sale of ivory souvenirs is quite legal. Therefore, you need to be careful and not go on about the seller, who will convince you of the correctness of the purchase. You can't take her home.

crocodiles

It is strictly forbidden to export real crocodile stuffed animals, their skin or stuffed bats from Thailand. They are sold at every turn, but by law they cannot leave the territory of the Thai Kingdom. Moreover, this ban does not apply to products made of crocodile skin.

Any tourist will be able to safely bring home a belt or a bag or any other decorative wardrobe item made from a beautiful reptile.

Leopards

Along with elephants, leopards and tigers are sacred animals. Their hair, teeth, bones cannot be seen on every corner, but still possible. And if someone decides to buy something exotic as a keepsake, then take it across the border of a vigilant Thai customs can not

Of course, you should understand that none of the customs officers will turn out all the luggage of a tourist, looking for a grain of land. But this is not required. Now at the airport at the entrance, in the customs zone, and most importantly when moving to luggage compartment are modern scanners. That is, if the first two scanners are passed, and on the third a beautifully packed suitcase arouses suspicion, then it will be opened. This can happen without the participation of the baggage owner. After the forced inspection, of course, no one will pack the luggage back.

In addition to the fact that prohibited items are subject to seizure, in some cases there is a risk of paying a mandatory fine . It depends on what prohibited items are found in the luggage, as well as on the behavior of the tourist and the mood of the customs officer. The most terrible consequence of the transport of prohibited items across the border is a stamp in the passport about the violation.

To avoid such troubles, you should not take risks and buy prohibited items. But if, nevertheless, the customs officer caught red-handed, you need to behave appropriately and try to avoid conflict with the representative of the law. Everything can be solved peacefully, because he is a tourist in Thailand too.