How to use the de minimis rule to avoid customs duties when exporting from Thailand

What is de minimis?

In international shipping, de minimis refers to the minimum shipment value below which import duties or taxes are not charged by the destination country. If your parcel’s value stays under this threshold, it typically qualifies as a duty free import, meaning it can clear customs without paying import duty, and sometimes without paying tax as well.

Many businesses may wonder what qualifies as a duty free import. The answer is simple: Shipments that meet the de minimis threshold are usually eligible for duty-free entry into the country. 

By keeping your shipment’s value below the de minimis limit, you can reduce costs, enjoy faster customs clearance, and better predict your total expenses.

There are generally two types to know:

• Duty de minimis: Value under which no customs duty is applied.
• Tax/VAT de minimis: Value under which import tax, for example, VAT or GST, is waived.

Different countries set their own thresholds based on local policies, so checking before you ship is essential. According to the World Customs Organization, these limits help ensure smoother customs processing and support growing cross-border e-commerce¹.

Thailand’s de minimis threshold

For exporters in Thailand, parcels valued at 1,500 THB or less are exempt from import duty. However, it’s important to note that a 7% VAT applies to all imports, regardless of value².

So, for example:

• If you’re shipping a 1,200 THB cosmetic kit to Singapore, no Thai duty applies and it may clear Singaporean customs if it’s under their de minimis threshold (SGD400).
• If you’re shipping a 1,800 THB electronic gadget overseas, Thai, and possibly destination country, duties might apply.

Always check both Thai and destination country thresholds for each shipment.

Why de minimis is good news for businesses and shoppers

The de minimis rule delivers peace of mind and big benefits:

• Save on costs: Shipments below the threshold may avoid import duties or taxes.
• Fewer surprises: Prevents unexpected charges for your customers.
• Faster customs clearance: Less paperwork helps you ship internationally with fewer delays.
• Encourages more sales: Makes international orders, especially lower value ones, more budget-friendly for recipients.

Not all de minimis thresholds are the same 

Each destination decides its own duty/tax-free shipping value. Here’s a quick look at some of the countries in APAC and global thresholds³: 

Why do thresholds differ?

Bigger thresholds encourage e-commerce and quick border clearance

• Some countries have a high de minimis threshold to encourage foreign trade, promote e-commerce, and facilitate smoother, faster customs processing.^[4]
• High thresholds help reduce costs and administrative burdens for both sellers and customs authorities, making the market more attractive for international sellers and consumers.

Lower thresholds can help protect local industries

• Countries may set lower de minimis values to protect domestic businesses from foreign competition and increase government revenue through import duties and taxes.
• Lower thresholds make imported goods less competitive compared to local products, which can help local industries retain more market share.^[5]

Example: A Thai e-commerce shop sends a 1,000 THB T-shirt to Malaysia—it’s under MYR 500, so Malaysian buyers won’t pay extra duty or GST. But if a parcel goes to Australia and is worth AUD 1,100, it exceeds their de minimis and could incur fees.

How DHL Express helps you ship smarter with de minimis

International shipping doesn’t have to be complicated. DHL Express Thailand makes it easy to take advantage of de minimis thresholds:

• Expert advice: We help you check country limits and declare accurate values.
• Easy paperwork: Our online tools guide you through item descriptions, values, and packaging.
• Faster clearance: Our customs know-how speeds up delivery.

Make your shipping even smoother with DHL’s Duties & Taxes Paid (DTP) service. Instead of your customers paying import charges when their parcels arrive, you cover these costs in advance and receive a consolidated invoice from DHL. This way, your customers enjoy a hassle-free, duty free import experience with no surprise fees at delivery.

With DHL Express’s customs expertise, you get more than help with paperwork — you also receive guidance on the latest duty-free import requirements and authorization processes for your target destinations. This support enables you to ship confidently, knowing you’re fully compliant with local regulations and meeting the maximum thresholds for duty-free shipments.

Before you ship:

• Check destination de minimis thresholds for both duty and tax.
• Declare the correct value.
• Keep consolidated shipments below the limit.
• Label and package everything clearly, including your commercial invoice.

Ready to ship duty-free from Thailand?

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Whether you're exporting from Thailand for the first time or looking to streamline your international delivery process, DHL Express Thailand offers hassle-free shipping solutions that fit your business needs. Start with a free shipping quote, or set up your DHL Express business account to begin shipping worldwide with confidence.