Import from Thailand to India (2026): AIFTA Duty & Sourcing Guide
India is Thailand's fastest-growing non-ASEAN buyer market, and most of that trade moves under two preference regimes that Indian importers routinely fail to claim. If you are paying full MFN duty on Thai goods, you are very likely overpaying.
The two agreements that matter
| Agreement | Scope | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AIFTA) | ~75-80% of tariff lines at 0-5% | Form AI certificate of origin |
| India-Thailand Early Harvest Scheme (EHS) | 82 specific tariff lines at 0% | Thai DFT origin certificate |
Both require the goods to meet the origin rule - usually 35% ASEAN-India value content plus a change in tariff sub-heading. Assembly of wholly Chinese components in Thailand normally fails this test.
Landed cost structure
| Component | Typical range |
|---|---|
| FOB Bangkok / Laem Chabang | base |
| Ocean freight (20ft, LCB to Nhava Sheva) | USD 450-900 |
| BCD (with Form AI) | 0-5% |
| Social Welfare Surcharge | 10% of BCD |
| IGST | 5%, 12% or 18% of assessable value + duty |
| CHA, THC, port charges | INR 25,000-45,000 per container |
IGST is creditable against your output GST; BCD is not. That makes the origin certificate the single largest cost lever on most Thai shipments.
Documents your Thai supplier must issue correctly
- Commercial invoice with HS code at 8 digits and Incoterm stated
- Packing list matching carton counts exactly
- Form AI (AIFTA) issued by the Thai Department of Foreign Trade
- Bill of lading consigned to your IEC-registered entity
- Any product-specific certificate: BIS, FSSAI, WPC, CDSCO as applicable
A mismatch between the invoice HS code and the Form AI HS code is the most common reason CAROTAR 2020 queries are raised at Indian customs, and those queries can hold a container for two to four weeks.
CAROTAR 2020: what changed for Indian importers
Since 2020 the importer - not the exporter - carries the burden of proving origin. You must hold origin data on file for five years: production process, value addition breakdown, and supplier declarations. Ask for this pack before the first order, not when customs asks.
Practical sequencing
- Confirm HS code and check the AIFTA rate before you negotiate price
- Get an origin feasibility answer from the factory in writing
- Sample and test against Indian standards in parallel with pricing
- Book freight to Nhava Sheva or Chennai based on your inland cost, not port fame
- File Bill of Entry through ICEGATE with your CHA and the full origin pack
How TUSKO helps Indian importers
We sit on the Thailand side as your single point of contact: factory shortlisting, origin verification, inspection, and documentation prepared to survive a CAROTAR query - so your CHA in India receives a clean file.
FAQ
What duty do I pay importing from Thailand to India?
Most tariff lines fall to 0-5% BCD under AIFTA with a valid Form AI, versus 7.5-20% MFN. Some lines under the India-Thailand Early Harvest Scheme are fully duty free.
What is Form AI and who issues it?
Form AI is the AIFTA preferential certificate of origin. It is issued by Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade at your supplier's request, usually within 2-5 working days of shipment documents being ready.
How long does shipping from Thailand to India take?
Laem Chabang to Nhava Sheva is typically 9-14 days port to port; Chennai is 7-11 days. Add 4-8 days for customs and inland movement.
Do I need an IEC to import from Thailand?
Yes. An Importer Exporter Code from DGFT is mandatory for any commercial import, along with GST registration for IGST credit.
What is CAROTAR and does it apply to Thai goods?
Yes. CAROTAR 2020 requires you to hold origin evidence for FTA claims. Keep the factory's production and value-addition declaration on file for five years.
Can I import small trial quantities?
Yes. Many Thai factories accept 500-2,000 unit trials, and LCL from Bangkok to Nhava Sheva is viable from about 2 CBM.