Import from Thailand to USA 2026: Full Guide

Import from Thailand to USA 2026: Full Guide

Step-by-step guide to importing from Thailand to the USA in 2026 — HTS codes, duties, customs bond, FDA/CPSC compliance, freight and landed cost math.

Import from Thailand to USA 2026: Full Guide

Thailand is the US's 11th-largest goods trading partner, exporting $63B to the US in 2024 (USTR). For US importers diversifying away from China, Thailand offers mature OEM factories, English-speaking export desks, and no Section 301 tariffs.

1. What you can import from Thailand

  • Electronics & appliances (HDDs, PCBAs, small appliances)
  • Automotive parts (rubber hoses, wiring harnesses, aftermarket)
  • Rubber gloves, medical devices, PPE
  • Food & beverage (canned tuna, coconut products, rice, sauces)
  • Home & kitchen, pet products, beauty OEM
  • Furniture, textiles, footwear

2. Duties & HTS codes

Use the USITC HTS lookup (hts.usitc.gov) to find the duty rate for your product. Most Thai goods enter under MFN (Column 1) rates — no Section 301 China surcharge applies. Some categories qualify for GSP (currently expired but retroactive renewal likely — check USTR).

Examples:

  • Rubber gloves (HTS 4015.19): 0%
  • Wooden furniture (HTS 9403.60): 0%
  • Ceramic tableware (HTS 6912.00): 4.5–9.8%
  • Silicone kitchenware (HTS 3924.10): 3.4%

3. Documents you need

  1. Commercial invoice
  2. Packing list
  3. Bill of lading (ocean) or AWB (air)
  4. Form A / Certificate of Origin (for GSP if reinstated)
  5. FDA prior notice (food), FCC (electronics), CPSC (toys/kids)

4. Customs bond & broker

Any commercial shipment >$2,500 requires a customs bond (annual continuous bond ~$500/yr covers unlimited entries up to $50k duties). Hire a licensed customs broker — they file ISF (10+2) 24 hrs before vessel loading and CBP entry on arrival.

5. Freight & lead time

  • Ocean FCL Laem Chabang → LA/Long Beach: 18–22 days, $2,200–3,500 per 40HQ
  • Ocean FCL → Savannah/NY: 30–35 days, $3,500–5,000
  • Air freight BKK → LAX: 3–5 days, $4.50–7.00/kg

6. Landed cost example (40HQ silicone kitchenware to LA)

Item Cost
FOB Laem Chabang $28,000
Ocean freight $2,800
Insurance (0.3%) $84
Duty (3.4% of FOB) $952
MPF + HMF
45
Broker + ISF $250
Drayage LA $650
Landed at LA warehouse $32,881

FAQ

Q: Are there tariffs on Thai imports to the USA? A: Most goods enter at MFN rates with no Section 301 surcharge. Rates vary 0–15% depending on HTS code.

Q: Do I need a customs broker? A: Legally optional but practically required for any shipment over $2,500. Broker fees run

25–250 per entry.

Q: What's the minimum order to import from Thailand? A: Factories typically require 1,000–5,000 units MOQ. For LCL freight, 1 CBM (~

50–250 ocean cost) is the practical minimum.

Q: How long does shipping from Thailand to USA take? A: 18–35 days by ocean depending on port; 3–5 days by air.

Ready to import from Thailand? Request a sourcing consultation — TUSKO handles supplier vetting, QC, and door-to-door landed cost quotes.