A beginner's guide to shipping internationally from Thailand

Sending your first international parcel can be a mix of excitement and apprehension. You might be thrilled about your personal shipment reaching its destination but also concerned about navigating unfamiliar procedures and ensuring its safe arrival.

Rest assured, international shipping doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right guidance and preparation, you can confidently send your parcel across borders. This beginner's guide will walk you through the essential tips and steps, making your first international shipping from Thailand experience a breeze.

Step 1: Know your shipment inside and out

Before you even think about packaging or international courier services, take a moment to clearly identify the contents of your shipment and its destination country. This might seem obvious, but having a clear understanding of what you're sending and where it's going is the foundation of a smooth shipping process overseas.

Restrictions and regulations

Once you know your destination, it's crucial to research any restrictions or prohibitions on specific items in that country. Every country has its own set of import regulations, and being aware of them can save you from potential delays or complications.

For instance, if you're shipping to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you can leverage Thailand’s Free-Trade Agreements (FTAs) to benefit from reduced import taxes and more relaxed customs regulations. 

Similarly, countries with strong bilateral relations with Thailand often have trade agreements that facilitate smoother cross-border movement of goods. A prime example is the Thailand-Malaysia Joint Development Strategy (JDS), which promotes economic cooperation and facilitates efficient trade in goods and services in and out of Malaysia. This agreement streamlines the process for businesses involved in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, allowing for faster and more cost-effective shipping between the two nations.

Certain items, such as batteries or liquids, may fall under specific regulations due to their potential hazards. These often require specialised packaging and labelling to ensure safe transportation internationally.

Packaging requirements

Ensuring your parcel is packaged appropriately for international shipping is equally important. Your packaging should not only protect your goods during transit but also comply with international shipping standards and the specific regulations of the destination country.

To guide you through this process, explore this basic guide to packaging, which offers detailed instructions and tips for preparing your shipment for its international journey.

Step 2: Get your paperwork in order

Accurate and complete documentation is essential for smooth international shipping. Preparing the necessary export documents ensures that your shipment complies with customs regulations and avoids potential delays or issues at the border.

Here's a checklist of essential documents for international shipping:

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin (if required)
• Export Declaration
• Import License or relevant permits
• Other relevant documents:
  • Insurance Certificate if you have shipping insurance.
  • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for shipments containing hazardous materials or chemicals.
  • Health Certificates for food or agricultural products
  • Phytosanitary Certificate for shipments containing plants or plant products.

Step 3: Pack with care: choosing the right packaging

Choosing the right packaging is crucial for protecting your goods during their international journey. Opt for sturdy and durable packaging materials that can withstand the rigours of transportation, including handling, stacking, and potential impacts.

When shipping fragile items like electronics or glassware, consider using double-walled cardboard boxes and ample cushioning. Unique items like tissue culture plants will require specialised packaging methods, such as in vitro cups, sealed pouches, or humidity-controlled plastic bags, to maintain their viability during transit.

In addition to sturdy outer packaging, use internal cushioning and protective materials to safeguard your items from damage. Bubble wrap, foam peanuts, and corrugated inserts are excellent choices for cushioning delicate items like musical instruments, electronics, or jewellery. Ensure that items are snugly packed to prevent movement and potential damage during transit.

Finally, don't forget about clear and visible labelling to ensure your parcel reaches its destination without any hiccups. Attach a completed customs declaration form that accurately describes the contents of your shipment and their value. 

Include the following fields:

• Recipient's full name and address
• Sender's full name and address
• Telephone numbers of both sender and recipient
• Package weight and dimensions
• Handling instructions, such as “Fragile” or “Handle with Care”

Step 4: Calculating volumetric weight

In international shipping, the cost of your shipment is often determined not just by its actual weight, but also by its volumetric weight. This is a calculation that considers the amount of space your package occupies in relation to its actual weight.

Here's the formula for calculating volumetric weight:

Volumetric Weight = (Length x Width x Height) / 5000 (in centimeters)

Volumetric weight can significantly impact international shipping costs, especially for lightweight but bulky items. If the volumetric weight exceeds the actual weight, you'll be charged based on the higher value to justify the added space your package will take up in their aircraft or cargo holds.

Understanding volumetric weight helps you estimate shipping costs accurately and choose the most cost-effective packaging for your items.

Step 5: Considering insuring your shipment

While your shipping courier will handle your international shipments with care, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to loss or damage during transit from Thailand. To safeguard your valuable goods, DHL Express offers optional shipping insurance for your peace of mind.

Shipping insurance provides financial protection in case your parcel is lost, damaged, or stolen during its international journey. The coverage amount can be customized based on the declared value of your goods. While adding insurance increases the upfront cost slightly, it offers valuable protection and can save you from significant financial loss in case of unexpected events.

Ship from Thailand internationally with confidence

Shipping internationally from Thailand doesn't have to be an overwhelming experience. With careful planning, proper packaging, and the right logistics partner, you can confidently send your personal parcels or business shipments across borders.

For first-time international shippers, DHL Express offers a range of convenient solutions and support services to simplify the process:

• DHL ServicePoint: Drop off your parcel at a nearby DHL Service Point at your convenience. Their extensive network of Service Points across Thailand makes it easy to find a location near you.
• MyDHL+: Their online platform allows you to book shipments, manage your orders, and track your parcels in real time, providing complete visibility and control.
• 24/7 Customer Service: DHL Express’ dedicated customer support team is available around the clock at 02-345-5000 to assist you with any queries or concerns, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free shipping experience.

Ready to embark on your international shipping journey? Create a DHL Express business account today and experience the difference of shipping with a trusted global logistics partner.