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How can I navigate UPS's import requirements in Thailand for a small personal package?
UPSThai CustomsImport LicensePersonal ItemsPharmaceutical ImportInternational ShippingCustoms ClearanceExpat Issues
Mar 27, 2025
a year ago
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTERUPS has notified me i need to show at 120 Years Building and register as an import agent or get an import license just to get a 2 Ib package of 40 personal single use eye drops, 2 boxes of just for men, and 2 UV BLOCKER sets of armsleeves my nephew sent me from my apartment in LA. Please, somebody who’s been though this, send the quickest most stress free method of navigating this. BESIDES Thai Customs, UPS is also trying to get paid extra in this process. I had no idea having a small box of personal provisions was gonna come to this. And if i choose to just not bother with this and walk away from less than $70 us worth of stuff, UPS’ charge is nearly $300 to “destroy” the package. You talk about a Catch-22!!! What does an Import License even cost, never mind there’s MORE steps to follow just to get this small quantity of my own personal hygiene products in hand.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A user expressed frustration about having to register as an import agent or obtain an import license to receive a small package of personal hygiene products sent from the US. UPS has informed them of additional fees to destroy the package, which contains items like eye drops that are classified as pharmaceuticals requiring special permits for import. The community provided various insights, with many suggesting to either let the package go, handle the customs visit quickly, or utilize informal shipping methods, emphasizing the complications involved with shipping personal items due to strict Thai regulations.
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I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Dwayne ********
You’re shipping commercial amounts. Stop being lazy & just fly back, buy there & pack in your carry on luggage. Say carry on because American TSA goes through all checked baggage & steals what they like.
Donald ******
You can buy all here!
Peter **********
The quickest and easiest way: Have a new shipment sent again, not by Oops.
I had a €300 incoming package for which Oops wanted to charge €400 import and handling.
I told them to store it where the sun doesn’t shine and bought the same stuff again. Now sent through PostNL/EMS.
Imported without hassle and final cost€75.
Oops requiredme to register as importer, in person and in Khon Kaen. 4 hours drive from here.
PostNL/EMS required nothing. No hassle.
Forget Oops. The worst shipping company that I know of.
I had a €300 incoming package for which Oops wanted to charge €400 import and handling.
I told them to store it where the sun doesn’t shine and bought the same stuff again. Now sent through PostNL/EMS.
Imported without hassle and final cost€75.
Oops requiredme to register as importer, in person and in Khon Kaen. 4 hours drive from here.
PostNL/EMS required nothing. No hassle.
Forget Oops. The worst shipping company that I know of.
Simon *********
Always better to ship by post. Dhl, ups always make problems, with ridiculous axtra costs
Brian ***********
I recommend, Next time use Postal Service. These Courier services always submit all they paper work they can , for added charges.. if your not an old customer of theirs, good luck.
Using Post . Hint , .You do not know what is in the box. !!!! It is a gift... Let customs open and inspect contents if needed , and refuse package if they want $$$$ from you. Which has never happened to me in 30 years doing this.
Using Post . Hint , .You do not know what is in the box. !!!! It is a gift... Let customs open and inspect contents if needed , and refuse package if they want $$$$ from you. Which has never happened to me in 30 years doing this.
Jim *********
When I worked for the Canadian Government, I got burned by purchasing U.S. product and accepting UPS as shipper. Brokerage was more than the product value. Henceforth, if not shipped by mail I didn't purchase. Canada Post collected GST at my location. Lesson learned. Now I ship via Canada Post to Thailand and straight to their postal system and delivery. No problem and no BS. As far as declarations, you may want consider alternative non violation wording. Violations are listed on Thai website. Seems lots of experts on the site but no one giving viable alternative.
Kathy ************
We sent personal stuff to my daughter in China
After six months and paying $400 to send it was returned to us and fee was charged
Never send anything again
After six months and paying $400 to send it was returned to us and fee was charged
Never send anything again
Ryan *********
Just go to the customs building. It's a very easy process. Very little paperwork and you'll be done in 30 min tops. Every day you wait it's more storage fees you'll owe. So go tomorrow.
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ryan ********
- Yesterday I went to Customs and got the papework. But now I’ve decided to just walk away and not claim the package. Hope I can just not show up to claim it without incurring any additional charges.Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Michael *********
As an international shipper we only use DHL.
Paul ********
Trump’s ridiculous policies have caused everyone to tighten up hard on the US.
Paul ********
To go to Mexico in December of 2024 a US Citizen didn’t need anything but an ID. Now you must have a visa and pay a daily fee. Trump really made the world hate the US. Our stocks are crashing. People tweeting out the war plans of our military. It’s a goddamn clown show.
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Paul ********
Bribes usually work in Thailand.
William **************
Most likely UPS costs are the brokerage fees and the dealing with the paperwork. If you don't want the items then let UPS know to return to sender. UPS will most likely refuse due to the extra costs and the additional work on the shipment. Then tell them to please destroy shipment but you will still owe them for the broker fees. Catch 22
Joe *********
I tried to have something imported and hit the same roadblocks, just abandoned the product and ate the purchase price.
Lye **********
If you feel it's not worth paying for it, then just leave the package there and block UPS calls.
Edward *********
Jad same issue with Amazon, UPS declared an item as a "Toy" which apparently also needs a license to import 🙄
Just contacted Amazon, told them the situation, and they immediately offered a full refund.
Just contacted Amazon, told them the situation, and they immediately offered a full refund.
Peter *********
Just gotta go to customs -
Bent *************
Why do you just buy the stuff in Thailand?
David ********
You are not the sender, UPS can't charge you a destruction fee ... tell them to F OFF and ignore them
David ********
UPS
DHL
FEDEX
all thieves
DHL
FEDEX
all thieves
Joseph ****
Question for All: Are there unofficial networks of Thais sending goods to Thais that get small shipments through for a fee, bypassing the headaches like this OP is finding? In Vietnam, stateside Viets send small shipments to fellow Viets on the inside and others can pay to use these informal networks. Works smoothly. Have used them myself.
Joseph ****
@Robert ********
Definitely wrong regarding the tax. Can't say with certainty that the single-use eye drops wouldn't get held up and require FDA certs, but doubtful. Stuff gets in uninspected all the time in small packages addressed to individuals.Doug ********
Leave it with customs & tell UPS to take a hike on the $300 destruction charge. That is a scam!
Bri *****
Use a agent to clear it
Stephen *********
Walk away from this as fast as you can.
Dave *********
I think you’ll probably have to go to bangkok. I don’t think there are any buildings that are 120 years old in Pattaya
Russ **********
@Dave ********
the neungloiyeesip bar (back door)Reply to
Russ **********
Reply
Sam **********
I use usps. No issues
Joseph ****
@Sam *********
Interesting. Not held up with inspections, duties?Sam **********
@Joseph ***
sent clothes medicine food and electronics. . Just put down beauty products for customs formJoseph ****
@Sam *********
Good to know, thanks.Sam **********
@Joseph ***
you can look up HS tariff codes online. Usually it's a 5 or 6 digit number that says what the items are.Reply to
Sam **********
Reply
David *********
Just get a friend to bring over what you need in his or hers suitcase???????
Rod *********
@David ********
hmmmm can you fit a boogee board in a suit caseReply to
Rod *********
Reply
Stephanie ****************
Next time pack what ya need in your suit case
Brian **********
Registering is easy but you have to go to airport to register. I went through the process but to be honest if you don’t desperately need item just give it up. Let customs take it -there’s no cost for that.
Chris ******
Tell UPS. TO GO FOCK THEMSELVES
Christopher *******
Resolve it quick. Thai customs will also charge a storage fee, and they'll get to your package when they bloody well feel like it. It's only 3 dollars a day, but if they hold it for two months...
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher ******
- what happens if I just walk away and don’t say anything to UPS or Thai Customs. Will Thai Customs still try to find me in 2 years and try to charge me for storage? Or does not claiming the package insulate me from future charges?Christopher *******
@Mark *******
ups will eventually settle with thai customs. They will send you a bill, that they not so politely tell you that you have 30 days to pay before they add 10% as late fee. Idk if that's Apr or flat cost. Make sure, that if you've already made any payments to/through ups thailand, that you have screenshot or other receipts. As far as letting the package go, if you haven't provided any identification numbers, I can't see how they would track you. Save looking up the return address
Mark ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Christopher ******
- thanks for taking time to respond so thoughtfullyReply to
Mark ********
Reply
David *******
Try importing any pharmaceutical product (eye drops) into a 1st world country and tell me what luck you have. The only possible advantage is if you both speak the same language. Years ago in Australia they tried to charge me almost $3,000 in storage/handling because they misread a decimal. It should have been $30
Bruce ********
UPS and FEDEX make it sound like you are a hardened criminal. They are working off the import paperwork, not what Thai customs is saying) tell them it is a mistake and tell them return. They may, or may not but it is a scam (sorta) for their import license.
James ******
Do you need an agent
แอนดี้ ************
I had this recently on an electrical item from Amazon.
UPS should be able to give you some instructions about applying for a licence on the TISI website.
It took me a couple of weeks to suss it out and get a licence. I actually got money back from Amazon on the import tax they had already deducted and delivery fee as it took so long. Good luck
UPS should be able to give you some instructions about applying for a licence on the TISI website.
It took me a couple of weeks to suss it out and get a licence. I actually got money back from Amazon on the import tax they had already deducted and delivery fee as it took so long. Good luck
Janelle *****
@แอนดี้ ***********
what kind of itemแอนดี้ ************
@Janelle ****
Lighting system for interior useReply to
แอนดี้ ************
Reply
Mma *******
Why is everything a shit show nowadays. A total disater to get a small thing done-
Bill *******
Walk away. Pay nothing. Cheap lesson.
Howard ***********
@Bill ******
exactly. How they gonna force you to pay. Find a local storeReply to
Howard ***********
Reply
Tom ********
Simple, Don't import from US buy off Lazada
Kim *********
@Tom *******
you would buy medical products from Lazada not knowing if it's a Chinese scam product? Good luck with your health if you do thatTom ********
@Kim ********
We are talking about eye drops, not something you ingest, My health is fine thanks, not overweight , exercise daily , eat a good diet, don't take any 'Big Pharma drugs' and sleep well, how many 67 year olds do you know that can say that!Kim *********
@Tom *******
we are talking about ordering medicine from Lazada. I wouldn't trust that whether eyedrops or anything else.Pat *****
@Tom *******
same here but only 64😊Tom ********
@Pat ****
You're only a wee lad then 🙂Reply to
Tom ********
Reply
Laurence **********
All available here I'm sure.
Micah ********
I'm guessing something in the package (maybe the eye drops) is being classified as a special product needing a license to import. Expensive lessons--we'vr had a few of those.
As far as the destruction fee. I've never heard of a logistics company being able to hold you on the hook for anything other than the import tax (if you choose to accept the package), as you have no contract with them. I'm guessing that's a scare tactic.
Either way, I would contact UPS central office and talk more with them.
As far as the destruction fee. I've never heard of a logistics company being able to hold you on the hook for anything other than the import tax (if you choose to accept the package), as you have no contract with them. I'm guessing that's a scare tactic.
Either way, I would contact UPS central office and talk more with them.
Shayne **********
They're not going to destroy it. They're going to take it.
Here's the Thai customs and duty calculator. Live and learn.
Here's the Thai customs and duty calculator. Live and learn.
Kool *******
The eye drops is the problem, as those are considered pharmaceutical products, and require an import license. You can not get the needed import license yourself, as you don't have a legal business. You need a Thai doctor to help you import them, if they are medically needed, and not available in Thailand. The UV sleeves you can buy in Thailand. Just refuse to accept the package from customs
Frank **********
Whats a 120 years building?
Edwin ***********
@Frank *********
It's actually the "อาคาร 120 ปี" at the custom's department in Bangkok, which translates as "120-year old building"Frank **********
@Edwin **********
thanks for clarifying that for me.Jack ********
@Frank *********
not exactly rocket science boyFrank **********
@Jack *******
look. I asked a simple question about what a 120 years building was. No need for you to make a comment about not knowing about customs. And I got your boy dangling between my legs. Now, go back to your ladyboy and leave me be.Jack ********
@Frank *********
are you not able to google? Seriously 😳. All star contributor needs to comment on every post?Luc ************
@Jack *******
go back to sleep 🤡Jared **********
@Jack *******
get a better hobby than volunteer facebook police, no reason to be this insufferableReply to
Jared **********
Reply
Jack ********
@Frank *********
you obviously know nothing about customs. Is google down ?Frank **********
@Jack *******
obviously, so what Wilburrrrrr. That is why I asked. Go back to pounding your pud.Jack ********
@Frank *********
are you mentally challenged?Frank **********
@Jack *******
no but I imagine you are.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Duncan *******
@Frank *********
it might be an American thing - op clearly thinks he's still in America.Reply to
Duncan *******
Reply
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