Import from Thailand to EU 2026: GSP & VAT Guide
Thailand graduated from the EU's GSP scheme in 2015 and now trades with the EU at MFN (Most Favoured Nation) rates. EU-Thailand FTA negotiations resumed in 2023 and remain ongoing — until an FTA enters into force, plan for standard EU tariffs.
1. Top imports from Thailand to EU
Machinery, computers & HDDs, rubber & articles, vehicle parts, jewellery, processed food, textiles, furniture.
2. CN codes & TARIC
Use the TARIC consultation tool (ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric) to look up duty by 10-digit CN code. Examples:
- Natural rubber (4001.22): 0%
- Rubber gloves (4015.19): 2.7%
- Canned tuna (1604.14): 20.5–24%
- Wooden furniture (9403.60): 0%
- Ceramic tableware (6912.00): 5–12%
- HDDs (8471.70): 0%
3. Documents
- Commercial invoice + packing list
- Bill of lading / AWB
- Certificate of Origin (non-preferential) from Thai Chamber of Commerce
- EU EORI number (issued by any EU member state customs)
- Product-specific: CE marking (electronics/toys), REACH (chemicals), EU 2017/625 (food)
4. VAT & duty
- Duty: TARIC rate on CIF value
- Import VAT: 19–27% depending on member state (DE 19%, NL 21%, FR 20%, IT 22%)
- Reverse-charge VAT via NL Article 23 licence or similar schemes in BE/PL — improves cash flow for importers using Rotterdam/Antwerp
5. Freight & timelines
- Ocean FCL Laem Chabang → Rotterdam/Hamburg: 28–34 days, €2,600–3,900 per 40HQ
- Ocean FCL → Piraeus/Genoa: 22–28 days (via Suez)
- Air freight BKK → FRA/AMS: 3–5 days, €4.00–6.20/kg
6. Landed cost example (40HQ furniture to Rotterdam)
| Item | Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| FOB Laem Chabang | €24,000 |
| Ocean freight | €2,700 |
| Insurance | €80 |
| Duty (0% furniture) | €0 |
| Import VAT (21% via Art. 23) | €5,626 (reverse-charged) |
| Broker + THC | €280 |
| Trucking to DE | €620 |
| Landed cost | €27,680 |
FAQ
Q: Does Thailand still get GSP into the EU? A: No — Thailand graduated from EU GSP in 2015. All exports pay MFN rates until an EU-Thailand FTA concludes.
Q: What is TARIC? A: The EU's integrated tariff database showing duty, VAT, and any anti-dumping measures per 10-digit CN code.
Q: Do I need CE marking? A: Yes, for regulated categories (electronics, toys, machinery, PPE, medical devices). The importer is the responsible party for CE compliance.
Q: How long is shipping from Thailand to the EU? A: 22–34 days by ocean depending on port; 3–5 days by air.
Importing Thai goods into the EU? Contact TUSKO — supplier vetting, TARIC classification, and Rotterdam/Hamburg-delivered landed cost.