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How can I navigate UPS's import requirements in Thailand for a small personal package?

UPS Thai Customs Import License Personal Items Pharmaceutical Import International Shipping Customs Clearance Expat Issues

Mar 27, 2025

24 days ago

Mark ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

UPS 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.

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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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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.

22 days ago

Donald ******

You can buy all here!

22 days ago

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.

23 days ago

Simon *********

Always better to ship by post. Dhl, ups always make problems, with ridiculous axtra costs

23 days ago

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.

23 days ago

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.

23 days ago

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

23 days ago

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.

23 days ago

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.

23 days ago

Reply to

Mark ********

Michael *********

As an international shipper we only use DHL.