so I just checked the customs regulations and it says if you use the broker service then customs only need to have a certified true copy of your passport to be registered as the importer. It is up to DHL to decide whether they, DHL, need to see your physical passport.

UPS may have decided not to offer that service in this case for whatever reason. It is policy that DHL will always offer the broker service.

Oh I see. Well I have always been asked for my original passport, and being in Bangkok, for security, preferred to visit the airport. But in your case obviously not possible. Yes I would not provide my passport.

yes Thai customs need to see the originals. If you are concerned about security, and you have time to spare, you can always visit the airport facility yourself which, depending on where you live, will likely cost nearly as much in taxi fares. 1000 bht is reasonable. Whatever you may think, DHL is trying to clear you shipment with least pain to you. Other air couriers are much the same, except DHL has the highest volume of shipments to deal with.

Again note the way the shipment is handled is totally dependent on exactly how the goods are described on the paperwork. DHL and Customs systems look for key words which may or may not raise a flag in the system that the shipment should be put “on hold” for some reason. But also if the declared value is greater than 40,000 bht it must be declared Formally, although I assume this is not your case. No one has actually looked at the goods yet.

@Jake ******

The form is the one required to register you as the “importer of record”. Until you register, neither you nor DHL on your behalf, can make any Formal declaration to customs.

it all depends on how the items were described on the paperwork. Eg If the keyword “food” pops up, it may be flagged. The contents will not have been inspected yet.

food is a restricted item, but that does not mean customs will always spot it. initially what you said on the airwaybill and the commercial invoice will determine what customs will do at paper screening time ( viewed by customs as data and images submitted by DHL). If customs spot it, then your shipment becomes formal and you need to register etc. as a importer and provide any missing details sufficient for customs to assess if a food and drug administration license is needed. Once this happens DHL can do nothing but comply with the regulations and send the shipment down the formal chsnnel. your shipment is on hold and may be inspected once the required formal paperwork is submitted electronically by DHL.