Import from Thailand to the UK
Thailand is the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia, and according to data released by the Royal Thai Embassy, the UK is Thailand’s fourth-largest European trading partner.
The two countries sealed an ambitious Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) in 2024, with the hope of boosting trade and increasing imports from Thailand.
The two countries sealed an ambitious Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) in 2024, with the hope of boosting trade and increasing imports from Thailand.
Why import from Thailand to the UK?
Favourable trade relations
The Minister of State for Trade Policy, Douglas Alexander, said that Thailand’s growth is something the UK can and should be capitalising on. Their economy is rapidly expanding, and favourable relations could present huge opportunities for UK businesses to tap into.
Manufacturing efficiency
Thailand’s manufacturing sector is highly competitive due to the abundance of raw materials such as sugar, rice, and rubber and low labour costs. If you import from Thailand, you may be able to source products for excellent prices.
High-quality goods
Thailand is one of the world's leading exporters of natural rubber. The nation also exports $237 million worth of wooden furniture per year. The bulk of Thailand to UK shipping involves the trade of mechanical power generators (exported to Thailand) and meat (imported to the UK).
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What products are commonly imported from Thailand?
Recently released statistics on the total trade in goods and services found that the UK and Thailand exchanged £6.4 billion in 2024. Imports from Thailand to the UK totalled £3.8 billion, with the best products to import from Thailand reported as:
Thailand to UK shipping will be processed much quicker if the importer has all the relevant customs paperwork in order. You can hire a freight forwarder or customs agent to help you with this.
- Meat & meat preparations (£517.8 million)
- Jewellery (£197.2 million)
- Miscellaneous electrical goods (intermediate) (£154.4 million)
- Miscellaneous foods (£127.8 million)
- Mechanical power generators (intermediate) (£115.2 million)
Thailand to UK shipping will be processed much quicker if the importer has all the relevant customs paperwork in order. You can hire a freight forwarder or customs agent to help you with this.
How to prepare for customs declarations
Any import from Thailand begins with the shipper applying for the correct permits (if required) and registering for an EORI number. Once your goods have passed through Thai customs, you will need to prepare the shipment for possible inspection.
Commodity code
Composed of ten digits unique to the shipment, commodity codes help customs classify goods accurately. They determine the customs duties, VAT, and any applicable import restrictions on shipments entering the country.
Pay duty & VAT
Import duty from Thailand will vary according to the types of products you are bringing into the country and their declared value. As per UK import rules, customs duties and VAT must be paid before the goods can be released.
EORI number
All imports must, first, be assigned an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. An EORI allows UK authorities to track goods as they move across borders.
Inspection (if necessary)
Some goods require an import licence, including:
- precursor chemicals
- plants and plant products
- products containing F gas
- veterinary medicines
Marking & labelling
To sell imports from Thailand on the UK market, goods such as footwear, precious metals, children’s products, and food and drink must follow product labelling laws.
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How do I ship goods from Thailand to the UK?
Imports from Thailand are delivered to the UK, chiefly via air or sea.
Air freight
Shipments travelling via air freight from Thailand can be expected to arrive within 3–5 days. This mode of transport is suitable for time-sensitive or valuable deliveries.
Sea freight
Sea freight from Thailand to the UK typically takes between 30 and 45 days, depending on whether it's port-to-port or door-to-door delivery.
Does the UK have a free trade agreement with Thailand?
No, the UK does not currently have a free trade agreement with Thailand, but the two countries are working towards one.
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