How to ship jewellery internationally from Thailand

Thailand's gem and jewellery industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy, with exports reaching US$6,643.65 million between January and September 2023, the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand reported. These exports, which marked a 9.09% increase year-on-year ranking, are Thailand's third most vital, constituting 5.22% of the nation's gross exports. The demand for fine jewellery including coloured stones has been particularly strong overseas.

Thailand's jewellery exports showcase varied trends across markets. For instance, exports to Hong Kong have seen a surge in polished stones, gold jewellery, and silver jewellery. In contrast, exports to India increased in silver jewellery. Germany's demand for Thai jewellery has shifted, with a rise in costume or fashion jewellery. Exports of gold jewellery to the United Kingdom (UK) market have shown growth of 22.67%.

With fine jewellery occupying a significant share of Thailand's jewellery exports overall, businesses can jump on this opportunity and cater to this growing demand. Additionally, fashion and costume jewellery are also gaining traction in the global market, presenting an exciting opportunity for businesses. But first, understanding the steps to smooth international shipments is necessary.

Acceptable commodities

Thailand's diverse jewellery export range includes silver, gold, platinum jewellery, and costume/fashion jewellery. That said, you’ll need to pay attention to prohibitions and restrictions in the countries you’re shipping to. For instance, India requires that all imported jewellery be hallmarked, a process of certifying the purity of the metal. A certificate of origin may also be required.

It’s also crucial to be aware of counterfeit concerns, as both Thai customs and destination countries maintain strict regulations against fake certifications and counterfeit products. The United States, for example, prohibits the import of jewellery with counterfeit trademarks – these shipments can entail fines, detention and seizures. The vigilance against counterfeit items is rooted in the protection of intellectual property rights, consumer safety, and the prevention of fraudulent activities that can harm the economic landscape and consumer trust in the market. It is crucial for exporters to ensure authenticity and compliance to avoid these legal and financial repercussions.

Do note that counterfeit or fake jewellery is different from imitation or artificial jewellery.

Counterfeit jewellery involves the unauthorised use of another's trademark or design, implying a deceptive intent to pass off the items as genuine from a well-known brand, for example, producing jewellery using the style of well-known luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and others without authorisation. In contrast, imitation or artificial jewellery openly acknowledges its nature – these are not original or precious items but are designed to emulate the appearance of high-end jewellery without any intent of deception, for example, diamond alternatives like Cubic Zirconia (CZ diamond) or crystal jewellery. Ensuring clarity and honesty about your products' nature is crucial in international trade to avoid legal issues and uphold your brand's integrity.

Note for DHL Express customers

DHL Express Thailand can help you ship bracelets, earrings, rings, watches, and necklaces embedded with diamonds, ruby, blue sapphire topaz and emerald to your loved ones or customers overseas. However, shipping these gems in a loose form is not permissible in DHL Express’ network.

Notably, silverware or silver accessories from Northern Thailand are popular items that we deliver internationally.

It is essential to provide an accurate transaction value of the goods. Undervaluing your shipments will not only result in shipment delays at customs clearance but also incur additional charges to release your goods.

Import taxes and duties of shipping jewellery

Preparing jewellery shipments for export involves costs such as import taxes and duties imposed by the destination country. For example, India places a 15% tax on gold imports, while jewellery exports to the European Union (EU) entail a standard 19% Value-Added Tax (VAT) plus a duty of 2% to 2.5%.

Duties and taxes are typically calculated based on the Harmonised System (HS) code, which classifies goods for international trade and determines the applicable tariffs. This code is essential in identifying the right tax rates and duties for your jewellery shipments.

Contact our customer service to navigate international tariffs and provide advice on the best ways to manage your shipping costs.

Value of jewellery shipments

When shipping jewellery internationally from Thailand, it's imperative to understand how the value of your shipments affects the shipping process, especially concerning security and restrictions imposed by logistics providers. Given the high desirability of jewellery items for theft, both by opportunists and organised crime groups, logistics companies like DHL Express have set clear guidelines for account customers to safeguard these valuable shipments.

For Business-to-Business (B2B) transactions, we allow a maximum shipment value of €100,000. This cap is designed to balance the need for businesses to ship high-value items while managing the inherent risks associated with transporting such commodities.

For shipments categorised as Business-to-Consumer (B2C), Consumer-to-Business (C2B), and Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C), the maximum allowed value for carriage is €25,000.

However, shipments of non-DHL account holders remain at the total or individual maximum value of €10,000.

Adhering to these value restrictions is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your jewellery shipments. It also helps in aligning with insurance requirements and risk management protocols. By understanding and complying with these guidelines, businesses can ensure a smoother shipping experience while minimising the potential risks associated with exporting high-value jewellery internationally.

Product description

When shipping fashion jewellery internationally with DHL Express, it's essential to provide accurate and clear product descriptions on the commercial invoice. This helps ensure smooth customs clearance and accurate tax and duty assessments. Here’s an overview of the types of items you might include, with suggested descriptions to ensure clarity and compliance:

Silver fashion bracelets: "925 sterling silver chain bracelet" or "silver cuff bracelet with engraved detail."
Gold fashion necklaces: "14k gold pendant necklace with ruby" or "gold-plated beaded choker."
Diamond fashion rings: "gold ring with small pavé diamonds" or "silver band with single princess-cut diamond."
Gemstone anklets: "adjustable silver anklet with turquoise beads" or "gold anklet with small garnet charms."

Specify the item clearly, detailing the material, type, and unique features; for instance, say "adjustable stainless steel charm bracelet" instead of just "bracelet." Always declare the item's exact value, as this is vital for customs and tax assessments.

Use clear, unambiguous language in your descriptions to avoid misinterpretation; a "gold-plated copper necklace with synthetic ruby pendant" is more descriptive and accurate than a "gold necklace with red stone."

For expert advice on product descriptions or for any doubts or clarifications, contact DHL Express Customer Service at 02-345-5000 available 24/7. Our team is ready with safe, fast, and transparent shipping solutions to assist you in ensuring your fashion jewellery reaches your customers in perfect condition.

Packing your jewellery

Shipping jewellery requires meticulous packing for the security and safety of these valuable items. A dual-layer packaging approach is always recommended.

The inner box should snugly fit your jewellery, with the help of fillers like bubble wrap or packing peanuts, to provide protection against movement and external pressure. The outer box, such as a strong corrugated cardboard box, adds an additional layer of protection and we highly recommend using Neutral Packaging, preferably tamper evident. It's crucial to ensure that the inner box doesn't rattle inside the outer box, as movement can be a sign of insufficient padding, increasing the risk of damage.

You’d also want to pay attention to the type of jewellery you’re packing. For specific types of jewellery, consider these tips:

Earrings: Secure them to a padded earring card and wrap them individually to prevent tangling or scratching before packing.
Bracelets and necklaces: Wrap them in soft tissue paper or bubble wrap and coil them gently to avoid kinking. Secure the clasps to prevent unwinding.
Rings: Use small cotton-filled boxes or wrap them in soft padding, ensuring they don't move around during transit. You may also secure them to a padded card and wrap them with the aforementioned materials.
Coloured stones: If shipping coloured stones, they should be individually wrapped in soft padding material to protect them from scratches and impacts. Each coloured stone can be placed in a small padded envelope or a separate compartment in a box to prevent them from rubbing against each other.

Jewellery brands and sellers typically use their own branded packaging for individual items, such as small boxes or pouches, often with added bubble wrap for extra cushioning. For the outer packaging, DHL Express offers boxes made from strong, thick corrugated paper. The sturdy outer box acts as a protective shell, ensuring that the seller's packaging, along with the jewellery inside, is safeguarded against external forces.

Whether it's a delicate necklace, a pair of large earrings with intricate gems or a robust wristwatch, you can find the right fit to ensure your items are well-protected during transit. You can also access our packing guide for international shipping.

In addition, you'll need a shipment label or waybill to be affixed on a visible surface of the package, which you can easily generate on MyDHL+. Adding a ‘Fragile’ sticker can also be helpful to inform handlers to be careful when moving your shipment.

Do note that the waybill is only one of the few export documents you’ll need to prepare for a smooth customs clearance process without delay. These include export licences, certificates of origin (if needed), customs invoices, and packing lists.

A reliable shipping partner

Choosing the right shipping partner is crucial when sending valuable items like jewellery from Thailand to the world. The intricacies of international shipping demand a partner with proven expertise, especially for items that carry both financial and emotional value.

DHL Express is here to support your jewellery shipping needs, connecting Thailand to over 220 countries and territories worldwide. We offer reliable tracking for high-value items, ensuring not only the safety of your shipment but also providing peace of mind through our transparent and efficient international express shipping process. Our priority is to deliver your jewellery safely and swiftly, minimising risks and maximising your satisfaction with our service. With DHL Express, you can trust that your precious cargo is in capable hands every step of the way.

ENJOY SPECIAL CORPORATE SHIPPING RATE WITH US TODAY!